The Converge FiberXers and the Phoenix LPG Fuel Masters clash in the second game of this Saturday’s doubleheader at the Mall of Asia Arena. Will Converge extend its unbeaten run? Or, will Phoenix finally snap out of its slump?

Catch this game live on Saturday, July 16 at 7:15 pm, Manila time.

Converge FiberXers (4-5)

Projected Starting Five:

  • PG: Mike DiGregorio
  • SG: Maverick Ahanmisi
  • SF: Kevin Racal
  • PF: Abu Tratter
  • C: Jeo Ambohot

For the first time in the franchise’s young existence in the PBA, Converge managed to win consecutive wins. After defeating the NLEX Road Warriors on July 7, 112-108, the FiberXers took down the NorthPort Batang Pier two days later to the tune of a 104-98 score. They enter Saturday’s contest with the hope of staying hot on offense after shooting 49.4 FG% over the last two outings.  

Converge is shooting just 39.7% from the field this conference overall, but there’s a major reason to expect that the FiberXers would regress in that area this weekend and that would be Phoenix’s leaky defense. The Fuel Masters are third-worst in the league so far in the 2022 PBA Philippine Cup with 107.4 points allowed per 100 possessions.

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Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters (2-7)

Projected Starting Five:

  • PG: Tyler Tio
  • SG: Matthew Wright
  • SF: Javee Mocon
  • PF: Jason Perkins
  • C: Kris Porter

The Fuel Masters continue to move in the opposite direction of gas prices, as they continue their free fall following a 95-92 loss to the Batang Pier Thursday. That was an especially disappointing loss for Phoenix, as that wasted a good outing from Matthew Wright, who put up 20 points. Sean Anthony, Tyler Tio, and Javee Mocon also showed up, with Mocon coming away with a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds. 

Phoenix actually dominated the rebounding battle, 55-45, including a whopping 19 offensive boards to just 9 by NorthPort. The Fuel Masters wished they could have converted their shots at a higher rate given all the extra possessions, as they went just 38.2 FG%, but they could try anew against Converge, which also has a flimsy defense that is just ninth this conference with 94.7 points allowed per contest.

PREDICTION:

Spread: Phoenix (+1.5) covers.

Over/Under: The Over (187.5) hits.

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