NLEX and TNT lock horns on Tuesday in Jimmy Alapag’s first game coaching against his former team in the PBA 50th Season Governors’ Cup.
Meanwhile, Titan Ultra and Macau battle in a ‘Giant’ rematch as their second round commences.
Here is our preview of Tuesday’s doubleheader.
TITAN ULTRA VS. MACAU
When: Tuesday, August 4. 5:15 p.m.
Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Bottom teams in Group A
Macau and Titan Ultra look to catch up with the leaders. Macau is in a tie with Terrafirma at fifth place in Group A with a 2-4 win-loss record, while Titan Ultra is at the cellar with a 1-5 mark as they begin their second round in the Governors’ Cup.
Macau guns for third straight win
The Giant Pandas seek their third straight victory on Friday against the Giant Risers. The winning streak began last July 25 when they defeated Titan Ultra, 132-126. Last Wednesday, the Giant Pandas won over Terrafirma, 96-92.
Titan tries to avoid third straight loss
Since losing to Macau, Titan Ultra has yet to win a game. In their most recent game, the Giant Risers were blown out by San Miguel, 143-105, to go down to 1-5 win-loss.
Leung effect
Macau is 2-0 since Jenning Leung returned to the team this conference. Leung scored 22 points on 8-of-16 shooting from the field in his first game of the conference against Titan Ultra. He may not have the same offensive output in their next outing against Terrafirma but he had four steals in the contest including a deflection that led to the game-winning lay-up by Kobey Lam in the final seconds.
Brown eyes bounce back
Tirrell Brown struggled against San Miguel as he posted conference lows of 15 points and seven rebounds, while also shooting 4-of-13 from the field. Brown eyes to bounce back against Macau, against whom he notched conference highs of 30 points and 14 rebounds.
NLEX VS. TNT
When: Tuesday, August 4. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Alapag takes on former team
For the very first time, NLEX coach Jimmy Alapag battles his former team TNT in the second game of the Tuesday doubleheader. Alapag was a ‘Tropa’ for 12 years, winning six championships and a season MVP with the squad. But now, Alapag is a Road Warrior as he looks to guide his new team to their sixth win in as many outings, and a fitting follow-up to their 119-107 win against Converge last Saturday.
Third straight win sought
TNT eyes a third straight win against NLEX on Tuesday. The Tropang 5G recently won over San Miguel in overtime, 93-89, despite an undermanned roster with Kim Aurin scoring 22 points and draining clutch three-point shots in the end. Aside from extending their winning streak, the Tropang 5G are also seeking to tie San Miguel at second place in the team standings of Group B.
Bolick’s near triple double
Robert Bolick came so close to notching a triple-double, not just once but twice, in NLEX’s unbeaten start. Against San Miguel two Sundays ago, Bolick had 14 points, nine rebounds, and 12 assists. Last Saturday, ‘Berto’ came one rebound shy of a trifecta after he tallied 19 points, nine rebounds, and 10 assists. Third time could be a charm for Bolick.
Winston, Nambatac take lead
With a lot of injuries in the TNT roster, Rey Nambatac has been showing the way for the locals. Over the last three games, Nambatac is averaging 23.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists.
On the other side, Schonny Winston has been pouring it for NLEX. He has averages of 26 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 2.0 steals for Converge over the previous three matches.
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