Games Saturday
(Ynares Center, Antipolo)
5:15 p.m. – TNT vs NLEX
7:30 p.m. – San Miguel vs Blackwater
By MARK REY MONTEJO
San Miguel seeks a share of lead with Rain or Shine, while NLEX and TNT try to move closer to A twice-to-beat incentive when the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup returns at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Saturday, Dec. 13.
Fully recharged following a week-long break, the Beermen, holding a 6-2 card at second spot, try to go seven in a row against the struggling Blackwater Bossing (1-8) in their 7:30 p.m. collision.
The Road Warriors (6-3), minus Robert Bolick, who is part of the Gilas Pilipinas playing in the SEA Games in Bangkok, collide with the Tropang 5G at 5:15 p.m. with the winner gaining an inside track for one of the quarterfinal bonuses.
Their amazing winning streak highlighted by a 110-95 triumph over TNT, the Beermen will go for the kill early with CJ Perez ready and confident to lead the team anew after dropping 33 points the last time.
And he did it in less than 23 minutes of play as he mocked all guards thrown at him.
June Mar Fajardo is also primed to deliver MVP numbers alongside Don Trollano, Jericho Cruz, Jeron Teng, and Rodney Brondia for San Miguel.
The Bossing will also be without Dalph Panopio and Abu Tratter, who like Bolick also answered the call of national duty.
Meanwhile, the NLEX Road Warriors will go for a bounce back victory that will disengage them from three-way tie with Magnolia and Converge and take the No. 3 spot.
Still reeling from a 98-82 loss to the Hotshots last weekend, the Road Warriors, however, need more productions from Jayvee Mocon, Kevin Alas, Jonnel Policarpio, and rookie Xyrus Torres to prevail.
But they are expected to face rough sailing against the Tropang 5G who will be spearheaded by Jordan Heading, Calvin Oftana, Rey Nambatac, Kevin Ferrer, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, and Henry Galinato Jr. – all ready to contribute for the team after dropping their last two games.
