SMB IN DANGER OF SLIDING OUT OF TOP 8 IN KEY MATCH VS CONVERGE

CONVERGE and San Miguel face off in an important match-up seeking the best seed possible in the PBA 49th Season Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals. Meanwhile, TNT will be seeking to bounce back from the stinging setback against Terrafirma.

Here’s what to expect in the doubleheader.

PHOENIX VS. TNT

When: Friday, January 24. 5 p.m.

Where: Ynares Center

TNT out to bounce back from humiliating loss to Terrafirma

TNT is aiming to atone for its stunning 117-108 loss to Terrafirma last Wednesday. The Tropang Giga went down from first to fifth in the standings, and a win over Phoenix will resurrect their bid for one of the twice-to-beat incentives in the quarterfinals.

Finishing the conference with a win

Phoenix will be trying what Terrafirma did at the expense of TNT – finish the conference on the winning note. The Fuelmasters lost to Blackwater, 100-92, last Tuesday, and a win would be a boost on what have been a disappointing campaign for the team.

Defense expected to be TNT’s priority

TNT gave up the most points this conference against Terrafirma, which also shot the lights out by making 2 of 6 from fours and 14 of 29 from threes. If there’s a team that could also hit their outside shots, it’s Phoenix after the team went 3 of 9 from fours and 7 of 27 from threes against Blackwater.

SAN MIGUEL VS. CONVERGE

When: Friday, January 24. 7:30 p.m.

Where: Ynares Center

Converge looks to close in on twice-to-beat advantage

Converge goes to the game against reigning champion San Miguel with an eye on closing the eliminations on a 9-3 win-loss record. Another victory would move Converge within striking distance of the twice-to-beat, pending the results of the other games in the elimination round. The FiberXers are out to win their third straight game after their 127-109 win over Blackwater last Sunday.

San Miguel clings to eighth place

San Miguel is in need of a crucial win against Converge as another defeat will bring the Beermen down to 10th place. The Beermen have lost two in a row after their 105-104 defeat over NorthPort last Tuesday. Currently, San Miguel, Magnolia, and NLEX are in a tie at 4-6 win-loss record.

Balti vs. June Mar

A match-up to watch for this game the battle between Justine Baltazar and June Mar Fajardo. Baltazar is set to be tested once he goes one-on-one with the PBA’s top big man in Fajardo. Baltazar has been on a rise after logging 20 points, 10 rebounds, three steals, and two blocks against Blackwater. Fajardo has been putting up big numbers as well, and their recent loss to NorthPort was no exception he tallied 24 points and 15 rebounds for the Beermen.

Is Juami headed for an increased role with SMB?

Juami Tiongson got extended playing time in their loss to NorthPort when he saw action for a conference-high 34 minutes, leading to him scoring eight of his 10 points in the fourth quarter that helped San Miguel make a late rally from 24 points down before losing to the Batang Pier.

Arana status unclear

Converge is hoping for a healthy Justin Arana after hyperextending his left knee during the match against Blackwater. His status remains uncertain as of posting time, but don’t be surprised if Arana is rested in preparation for the FiberXers’ playoff push. Unconfirmed reports said he is out for two weeks.

2025-01-24T06:14:24Z