Terrafirma, NorthPort get acid tests. Here's what you need to know

Terrafirma, NorthPort get acid tests. Here’s what you need to know

TERRAFIRMA and NorthPort get litmus tests against separate opponents in Wednesday’s PBA 48th Season Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Here’s what you need to know about the Wednesday doubleheader.

Free tickets

In celebration of the PBA’s 49th anniversary, the league is giving away free tickets to the first 100 fans. To avail, the person must meet ANY of the following:

• Bring or wear a PBA jersey
• Show a groufie together with your PBA idol.
• Bring any memorabilia bearing the signature of your PBA idol.
• A Facebook post while playing basketball, watching a PBA games, wearing a PBA jersey, or holding a basketball and posted on the day of the league’s anniversary (April 9) together with the hashtag #HappyBirthdayPBA

San Miguel (4-0) vs. Terrafirma (4-3)

When: Wednesday, April 10, 4:30 p.m.

Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium

Watch: RPTV, PBA Rush, Pilipinas Live app

GOING FOR BACK-TO-BACK VS. SMC TEAMS

The Dyip are looking for another upset victory after they defeated Barangay Ginebra, 91-85, last Sunday to climb to fourth place with a 4-3 win-loss record. It’s going to be an arduous test as Terrafirma will be up against unbeaten San Miguel.

COMING OFF A CLOSE WIN

San Miguel has proven it can win in close games as it stayed unbeaten last Friday after beating Barangay Ginebra, 95-92. The Beermen needed key baskets late from Don Trollano to capture a win, their second tight victory of the conference when they defeated TNT, 91-89, last March 17.

GO, CARINO VS. JUNE MAR

San Miguel may have June Mar Fajardo, but Terrafirma has its bigs as well in Kemark Carino and Isaac Go, who are at No. 2 and No. 4 in blocks respectively with 1.6 and 1.3.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Marcio Lassiter has been having off-nights for San Miguel, scoring six points each in the past two games, while shooting a combined 1-of-8 from threes.

Javi Gomez de Liano scored his conference high last Sunday when he had 22 points. One of his best games of the season came in the Commissioner’s Cup against San Miguel where he had 26 points. Can he repeat it on Wednesday?

Magnolia (1-2) vs. NorthPort (4-1)

When: Wednesday, April 10, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium

Watch: RPTV, PBA Rush, Pilipinas Live app

AIM TO BREAK SKID

The Hotshots are out to break a two-game losing streak. They lost to NLEX, 87-74, last Saturday in a game where they led by as many as 18 points.

ABUEVA RETURNS

Calvin Abueva is set to return to the court after serving a one-game suspension last Saturday. His presence was sorely missed with Abueva averaging 9.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists

EXTEND WINNING STREAK

NorthPort maintain its distinction as one of the most surprising teams in the league, winning four straight games after it won over TNT, 112-96. Even though its opponents is struggling, NorthPort will definitely get a test as Magnolia will now have an additional piece in Abueva.

DEFENSE VS. DEFENSE

Magnolia always had a distinction as one of the top defensive teams in the league, and it limits opponents to a league-low 83 points per game. But while NorthPort has become one of the top offensive teams in the league, statistics show that it can play defense as well, averaging a league-leading 13.8 steals and second-best 5.2 blocks.