MANILA, Philippines — The jockeying for playoff position continues as San Miguel Beer and Barangay Ginebra face separate dangerous foes on Sunday in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Beermen, currently at seventh spot with their even 3-3 card, clash with embattled Magnolia Hotshots (2-4) at 5:15 p.m.
On the other hand, the Gin Kings, who are tied for fourth to sixth spots, tangle with the Phoenix Fuel Masters at 7:30 p.m.
The Beermen are eyeing to bounce back from their 116-112 loss to the running and gunning Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
They are facing a Hotshots side which is also smarting from a heartbreaking 89-91 loss to long-time rivals Gin Kings last Friday.
With both squads struggling to get their games going in the first half of the elimination round, winning is imperative in their hopes of enhancing their respective playoff bids.
Justin Patton has been fitting well for SMB since replacing Marcus Lee two weeks ago, and will again team up with nine-time league MVP June Mar Fajardo at front court.
A solid support cast led by Cj Perez, Jericho Cruz, Marcio Lassiter and Don Trollano is also expected to provide depth for the Beermen.
Magnolia has won two of its last three games with new import Clint Chapman, who has been providing the inside presence.
But the Hotshots need to play better as a unit under coach LA Tenorio.
Up and coming stars Zavier Lucero and Jerom Lastimosa are getting more playing time, but the Hotshots still need the experience of veterans like Mark Barroca, Paul Lee, Rome Dela Rosa and Ian Sangalang.
Meanwhile, Ginebra hopes to ride on that cliffhanging win against Magnolia when it faces Phoenix.
The Gin Kings are still missing the services of veteran big man Japeth Aguilar, thus, forcing coach Tim Cone to rely on Troy Rosario, fit-again Isaac Go and Norbert Torres.
Scottie Thompson hopes to continue getting better since recovering from an elbow injury, while Justin Brownlee and RJ Abarrientos will spearhead the team’s attack against the Charles Tiu-led Phoenix ballclub.
