(UST Quadricentennial Pavilion)
5:15 p.m. – NLEX vs Titan Ultra
7:30 p.m. – Ginebra vs Phoenix
By REYNALD MAGALLON
The PBA might be playing in an entirely new territory at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion but the aim of teams like NLEX and Barangay Ginebra remains the same.
The Road Warriors look to strengthen its push for a Top 4 spot against Titan Ultra Giant Risers while The Kings are looking at a quick recovery from a painful setback when they take on Phoenix Fuel Masters in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup, Sunday, Nov. 16.
Playing within the confines of the centuries old university in Manila for the first time, the PBA teams are jockeying for better position in the standings to generate enough momentum heading into the league’s three-week break.
The clash of NLEX and Titan Ultra raises the curtain in the first offering at 5:15 p.m. before Ginebra and Phoenix collide in the main event at 7:30 p.m.
The Road Warriors are currently in a five-team log jam at the second spot with similar 5-2 records and they aim to keep their place in the upper half of the standings.
The Giant Risers, on the other hand, are in an exact opposition position as they try to stay in the race for the playoff spot after sitting at the 10th spot with a 2-5 record, although just half a game behind the No. 8 Kings.
While defense has been working for NLEX, head coach Jong Uichico is hoping the Road Warriors can sustain the offensive rhythm they displayed in the huge win over Rain or Shine.
“We played decent defense, but I think what’s glaring also is we were able to score against Rain or Shine. So hindi lang p’wede na to rely on your defense solely,” added Uichico. “Our offense has to click also, which we did,” said Uichico.
Of course, primed to lead the offensive charge for NLEX is star guard Robert Bolick, who will be backed up by a young and hungry supporting cast in Xyrus Torres, JB Bahio and Jonnel Policarpio.
They, however, will surely be tested against Titan Ultra which will be leaning on veterans Joshua Munzon and Calvin Abueva.
Ginebra, on the other hand, needs to quickly lick its wounds after a frustrating 106-96 loss to Converge.
“We just didn’t play sharp enough tonight. We weren’t sharp. We’ve been off for a long time because the typhoon took away that game that we had worked for. Just came out, we weren’t very sharp tonight,” admitted Cone.
Standing in front of them, however, are Jason Perkins, Tyler Tio, Ricci Rivero and Kai Ballungay, all of whom played splendid basketball in the Fuel Masters’ 107-76 rout of Terrafirma Dyip.
