TWO struggling teams battle two that are on top in Tuesday’s PBA 50th Season Commissioner’s Cup encounter at the Ynares Center-Antipolo.
Here is a preview of the two games.
When: Tuesday, April 14. 5:15 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center-Antipolo
Out to extend winning streak
NLEX (4-1) looks to extend its winning streak to three games in its match against Macau Black Knights. The Road Warriors haven’t played since its April 5 game where they defeated Phoenix Super LPG, 120-102. NLEX is looking to join Meralco at second place in the team standings.
Victory so near yet so far for Macau
The Black Knights stayed winless in six games, but went very close to finally capturing that elusive victory but fell short against Meralco, 115-110, last Saturday. The game was still tied at 109-109 before CJ Cansino and the rest of the Bolts made the clutch baskets.
Cao gives Macau a boost
Outside of Tony Mitchell, Ramon Cao is the only player in Macau who has PBA experience, having suited up for Eastern in last season’s Commissioner’s Cup. He is now showing his familiarity in the league’s style of play with outstanding numbers. Over the past two games, Cao is averaging 19 points and nine rebounds for the Black Knights. His numbers have yet to translate into a Macau victory, but that could change on Tuesday if Cao continues to play consistently.
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NLEX showing depth
Over the course of its winning streak, NLEX showed it has a lot of weapons with five players in double digits. Against Phoenix Super LPG, the Road Warriors got a boost from Kevin Alas, who had 18 points against the Fuelmasters after averaging 7.5 in the games prior.
When: Tuesday, April 14. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center-Antipolo
Pat Aquino makes PBA coaching debut
A new chapter begins at Blackwater as Pat Aquino is set to make his PBA coaching debut with the Bossing. The former Gilas Pilipinas Women coach replaced Jeff Cariaso after the Bossing went down to 1-4 win-loss record after their 102-98 defeat against Titan Ultra last April 8.
TNT goes for back-to-back wins
TNT won its third game in four outings last Saturday after beating Terrafirma, 101-89, to improve to 3-2. The Tropang 5G could either go as high as third or fourth in a tie with Barangay Ginebra with the victory.
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Bol Bol against Robert Upshaw
Blackwater will be hardpressed to beat Bol Bol and TNT. The former NBA player churned 35 points, 14 rebounds, and four blocks in the win over Terrafirma. Burly import Robert Upshaw will have his hands full if Blackwater chooses him to defend the length, speed, and quickness of Bol.
Oftana’s shooting
Calvin Oftana’s three-point efficiency was back against Terrafirma after he went 0-for-5 in their loss to Terrafirma. Oftana dropped 20 points versus the Dyip after he shot 3-of-6 from the field. TNT hopes that Oftana’s accuracy will continue against Blackwater.
Heading, Pogoy look to find rhythm
Two players will be out to get back to their usual rhythm offensively against Blackwater. Jordan Heading shot just 1-of-7 against Terrafirma to score only two points, although he still managed to contribute in other departments after dishing nine assists. RR Pogoy had nine against Terrafirma but was 4-of-13 from the field, including a 1-of-6 from three-point country
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