NorthPort faces test against Ginebra: What to watch out for

BARANGAY Ginebra and NorthPort tangle in a pivotal match-up in the PBA Philippine Cup, as Magnolia and Phoenix go for back-to-back wins.

Here’s what to watch for about the four teams playing in Sunday’s doubleheader.

Phoenix (2-4) vs. Magnolia (2-2)

When: Sunday, April 14, 3 p.m.

Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium

Watch: RPTV, PBA Rush, Pilipinas Live

GOING FOR BACK-TO-BACK

At the bottom half of the standings, Phoenix and Magnolia will look to claim their second consecutive win on Sunday. The Fuelmasters regained their winning ways after beating Converge, 113-107, while the Hotshots overcame NorthPort, 104-97.

REMATCH OF COMMISSIONER’S CUP SEMIS

The two teams face each other for the first time since the last Commissioner’s Cup where the two teams figured in the semifinals where Tyler Bey led Magnolia to a 3-1 series win over Johnathan Williams and Phoenix. It will be an all-Filipino showdown this time.

REGAINING THEIR IDENTITY

Magnolia showed its fortitude on defense against NorthPort when it had 13 steals. It was only averaging 4.5 in the two defeats. Doing it again in the Phoenix match-up could spell the difference.

TOTAL TEAM EFFORT

The Fuelmasters had six players in double figures against Converge with Jason Perkins scoring 26 points. A repeat of the same would be vital in their game against Magnolia.

BALANZA ACTIVATED

Jerrick Balanza has been activated by Magnolia after being acquired in a trade with Converge a few days ago. The Hotshots want production from Balanza with their thin bench after injuries to Rome Dela Rosa and Aris Dionisio.

NorthPort (4-2) vs. Barangay Ginebra (4-3)

When: Sunday, April 14, 6:15 p.m.

Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium

Watch: RPTV, PBA Rush, Pilipinas Live

ANOTHER TEST FOR NORTHPORT

The Batang Pier suffered a defeat against Magnolia to end a four-game winning streak. It faces another challenge when NorthPort goes up against Barangay Ginebra. The Batang Pier is in third place and a win would move them into a tie for second place with NLEX.

MOVING UP THE LADDER

Ginebra is also eyeing to move up after its 105-86 win over Blackwater last Friday. A win would allow the Gin Kings to go up at No. 3 and strengthen its bid for one of the two twice-to-beat incentives in the quarterfinals.

LIMITING NORTHPORT’S FASTBREAKS

In its loss to Magnolia last Wednesday, NorthPort was limited to 16 fastbreak points, dropping its average to 22.2 per game. The Batang Pier also lead the league in assists and steals, something that the Gin Kings must also contain.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Scottie Thompson returned for Ginebra on Friday, finishing with four points, seven rebounds, and eight assists. Ginebra coach Tim Cone said his minutes will depend on his back as he is still bothered by a slipped disc.

Arvin Tolentino didn’t play when NorthPort last faced Ginebra during the quarterfinals of the PBA Philippine Cup. Tolentino was limited to 14 points against Magnolia, and he will now look to bounce back in the match-up against Ginebra.