PBA’s Saturday slate opens things up with a battle of two teams looking to get back on the win column.

Catch the game on March 16th, at 3:00 PM.

Blackwater Bossing (3-1)

Projected starting five:

• Rey Suerte
• Rey Nambatac
• Christian David
• Troy Rosario
• Tyrus Hill

After jumping into three-straight wins in the conference, Blackwater saw their momentum get halted by the NLEX Road Warriors this past Wednesday, 103-97. While they were a tad better offensively–with five players in double-figures and scoring a conference-high 97 points–their previously commendable defense struggled all game.

Nevertheless, this matchup is a good opportunity to pump some confidence back. Troy Rosario (15.2 PPG, 6.2 RPG) will lead the way as per usual, alongside Rey Nambatac (12.5 PPG) and Rey Suerte (12.2 PPG). Suerte had a game-high 21 points on 8-of-11 shooting during the NLEX loss, so we’ll see if he can carry some of that efficient shotmaking for the game.

Second unit guy Jaydee Tungcab may also have some momentum as he chipped in 15 points off the bench on Wednesday. RK Ilagan (8.7 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 3.0 APG, 1.3 SPG), who does a bit of everything, could factor in as well.

Terrafirma Dyip (2-2)

Projected starting five:

• Stephen Holt (day-to-day)
• Juami Tiongson
• JP Calvo
• Isaac Go
• Aldrech Ramos

Terrafirma now has back-to-back losses after starting 2-0. They lost to TNT Tropang Giga last Saturday, 100-97, and Phoenix Fuel Masters this past Wednesday, 94-78. 

Top scorer and recent top overall pick Stephen Holt is also ailing a tight back, which caused him to miss the Phoenix game and be considered questionable for this matchup. He’s producing statsheet-stuffing numbers of 22.6 points, 8.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 3.3 steals on 58% shooting in three games thus far, so that’s a pretty solid share of production that will be heavily missed. 

If Holt is unable to go, sweet-shooting Juami Tiongson will continue being the sole primary option. He’s right behind his Fil-Am comrade in scoring at 22.0 PPG. Juan Gomez De Liano (16.2 PPG, 43 3FG%), another sharpshooter, is the default No.2 scorer in such situations.

PREDICTIONS:

Spread: Blackwater (-5) covers the spread.

Over/Under: The total goes under 190.5.