BARANGAY Ginebra takes on powerhouse San Miguel Beer (SMB) in a titanic battle between two title favorites in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup on Easter Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Gin Kings (2-1) and the Beermen (2-2) collide at 7:30 p.m.
Facing off at 5:15 p.m. are Phoenix and NLEX, two teams occupying a share of second to fifth spots with idle Terrafirma and Meralco.
Ginebra booked its second win in the tournament via a 99-93 decision against Converge.
On the other hand, SMB won its last two games, including a 110-95 spanking of winless Macao last Tuesday, just before the league took a Holy Week break.
San Miguel’s new import Justin Patton had a solid debut of 24 points and 17 rebounds, taking over the spot of Marcus Lee, who lasted just three games.
Ginebra hopes to have veteran big man Japeth Aguilar ready against SMB, since he hurt his knee during the Gin Kings’ 113-118 loss to the Road Warriors last week.
The Gin Kings though have Troy Rosario, backup big man Norbert Torres and fit-again Isaac Go to patrol the paint and try to slow down nine-time league Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo.
Meanwhile, the Phoenix and NLEX game also features an interesting matchup with both teams eager to maintain their strong start for the import-spiced conference.
James Dickey III has been providing all-around numbers under Phoenix’s new coach Chsrls Tiu as he averaged 19.8 points, 19.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.3 blocks per contest.
The Fuel Masters also have a solid young, local cast that include Ricci Rivero, who dropped a career-best 40 points in their 133-105 spanking of the Dyip last week, along with Evan Nelle, Francis Escandor, big man Ken Tuffin and veteran forward Jason Perkins.