SAN MIGUEL BEER and Phoenix look to score repeat wins against separate foes as the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup begins the second round of its elimination phase on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Beermen take on the free-falling Converge FiberXers at 7:30 p.m., following the match between Group B leader Phoenix and Blackwater.
SMB is coming off a 93-89 overtime loss to defending champion TNT, which managed to pull off the stunning win despite playing with injured starters Calvin Oftana, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and veteran guard Jayson Castro.
But the league’s all-time winningest squad enters the game with a big advantage, having won over Converge, 128-122 last July 22.
That game saw American import George King erupt for 41 points, 11 rebounds and four assists as the Beermen overcame Converge big man Justin Arana’s huge 29-point effort.
San Miguel enters the match carrying a 4-2 record for solo second spot in the Group A standings.
A win certainly solidifies the Beermen’s chances of securing one of the top 4 spots heading to the quarterfinal round.
For Converge, a win is crucial for its quarterfinal bid, while also putting an end to its three-game losing skid since a 3-0 start for the conference.
Meanwhile, Phoenix is also out to strengthen its own grip at the Group B top spot, having won four of its first five games in the prelims.
Phoenix routed Blackwater, 102-93 in their July 28 match up where veteran forward Jason Perkins scored 25 points and grabbed six rebounds to earn Best Player of the game honors.
The Bossing are on a tailspin since opening the conference with victories over Rain or Shine and Magnolia.
A win not only boosts the team’s confidence, but it also gives Blackwater a chance to enhance its quarterfinal bid.
