WILLIAM Navarro will be on the spotlight as Magnolia battles Barangay Ginebra in a rivalry game in the PBA 49th Season Philippine Cup at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
SCENARIOS: Phoenix fights for playoff life vs. impressive NLEX
Aside from keys to winning for Magnolia and Barangay Ginebra, find out why Phoenix’s game against NLEX is a must-win in this preview.
NLEX VS. PHOENIX
When: Sunday, June 1. 5 p.m.
Where: Smart-Araneta Coliseum
NLEX eyes to get back to winning ways
NLEX is coming off a 108-92 loss to Meralco that ended its six-game winning streak. The Road Warriors are looking to restore their usual form now that they are now tied with San Miguel at second place with a 6-2 win-loss record. A victory would also aid in their bid to claim one of the four twice-to-beat incentives in the quarterfinals.
Fighting for their lives
Phoenix dropped a 109-99 loss to Rain or Shine last Wednesday - its third straight defeat. The Fuelmasters can no longer afford to lose in Sunday’s match as that would mean elimination from quarterfinal contention.
Rebounding and second chance points
One of the best rebounding teams this conference, NLEX was limited to a conference-low 34 rebounds against Meralco. The Road Warriors only scored two second-chance points in that game, another conference-low. The Road Warriors must beat the Fuelmasters off the boards in order to improve their chance at winning. Phoenix had 50 rebounds and scored 17 second-chance points in the loss to Rain or Shine.
BARANGAY GINEBRA VS. MAGNOLIA
When: Sunday, June 1. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Smart-Araneta Coliseum
Important ‘Manila Clasico’ tiff
Rivals Barangay Ginebra and Magnolia collide on Sunday in a game with much importance for quarterfinal seedings. The Gin Kings currently sit in a share of fourth place with TNT and Rain or Shine on 5-3 win-loss records, and a loss would dim the team’s chances at claiming a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals. For the Hotshots, they also seek a win to enhance their odds of not just the quarterfinal incentive but also the No. 1 seed in the playoffs.
William Navarro expected to make Magnolia debut
Magnolia is set to parade its rejigged roster after acquiring William Navarro from NorthPort in a recent trade in exchange of Calvin Abueva, Jerrick Balanza, and a future draft pick. Navarro has been practicing with the Hotshots for a couple of days so a Magnolia debut is likely against Ginebra.
Cutting down on turnovers
Barangay Ginebra is coming off an 82-73 loss to Meralco last Friday in a game where the Gin Kings turned the ball over six times in the fourth quarter, some of which came during the late stretch where they were unable to survive a comeback by the Bolts. Ginebra had a good chance at beating Meralco until the turnovers came, something they have to limit against Magnolia.
Winning under pressure
Magnolia defeated NorthPort, 106-97, two Saturdays ago in Candon City in a game where the Hotshots essayed a big run to finish off the Batang Pier, proof that they have the ability to maintain composure and win under pressure. That is something that Magnolia will need in its rivalry game against crowd favorite Barangay Ginebra.
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