MERALCO and NLEX clash in a pivotal match as they dispute solo second spot in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup elimination round standings on Friday at the Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal.
Both squads enter their 7:30 p.m. match tied at 5-1, just behind Rain or Shine’s perfect 7-0 record.
Opening the match at 5:15 p.m. are Phoenix (3-3) and Blackwater (1-5).
The Bolts and the Road Warriors have won their last three games and are on track at securing a playoff spot.
Marvin Jones, Meralco’s seven-foot reinforcement, will be ranged against an equally hardworking NLEX import in Cady Lalanne, who played beautiful music with Robert Bolick a few days back in their 106-97 victory against the Macau Black Knights.
The Bolts have a loaded and veteran crew led by Chris Newsome, Chris Banchero, Cloff Hodge, Bong Quinto, Raymund Almazan and the vastly improved CJ Cansino.
Adding backcourt depth is rookie Jason Brickman, who is slowly settling down in his playmaking role.
Meanwhile, Phoenix is out to bounce back from a 109-96 loss to Barangay Ginebra last Sunday.
The Fuel Masters have lost three of their last four games.
New coach Charles Tiu hopes the match against Blackwater could be a good opportunity for the team to regroup with import James Dickey at the forefront.
Dickey led Phoenix with a near triple-double effort of 21 points, 21 rebounds and nine assists in the Fuel Masters’ loss to the Gin Kings.
The Bossing are also trying to turn the corner under new coach Pat Aquino, whose coaching debut recently got spoiled by the TNT Tropang 5G, 99-94.
Aquino, who steered the Gilas Pilipinas women’s national team to unprecedented heights during his tenure, came on board to replace Jeff Cariaso.
