If the Barangay Ginebra want to secure the No. 2 spot in the standings, they will need to win this game against the Converge FiberXers Wednesday. That is going to be easier said than done, however, as Converge is always a tough opponent, one that is welcoming its import back in the rotation.
Catch this game live on Wednesday, November 30 at 5:45 pm, Manila time.
Converge FiberXers (8-3)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: Aljun Melecio
- SG: Jeron Teng
- SF: Kevin Racal
- PF: Quincy Miller
- C: Abu Tratter
Converge could have had a better record than Ginebra at this point of the conference if the FiberXers did not make the tough decision to bench import Quincy Miller for disciplinary reasons in their 112-97 loss to the NorthPort Batang Pier on Nov. 19. But Miller should be back for t his marquee showdown with Ginebra. So far in the 2022-23 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, Miller is averaging 30.7 points per game on 50.2 FG%.
Converge is a high-scoring team that nearly scored 100 points in the loss to the Batang Pier despite not playing Miller. The FiberXers are second in this conference in both offensive rating (111.0) and points per game (107.9). They are such a dangerous team to face because of their outside shooting. Converge is No. 1 with 14.1 3-pointers per game on 33.8 3FG% – fourth-best in the PBA. The FiberXers should be feeling good about their chances against Ginebra’s defense which has allowed at least 105 points in each of the Barangay’s last two outings.
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel (8-3)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: LA Tenorio
- SG: Stanley Pringle
- SF: Jamie Malonzo
- PF: Justin Brownlee
- C: Japeth Aguilar
After a shock loss to the NLEX Road Warriors (120-117), Ginebra returned to its winning ways by whipping NorthPort last Sunday, 122-105. Justin Brownlee spearheaded the attack of the Barangay with a near triple-double of 31 points, 13 rebounds, and 9 assists, while Jamie Malonzo and Christian Standhardinger provided 26 and 20 points respectively.
The Barangay just have so much size and athleticism, making it so hard for opposing teams to match up against them. At the same time, Ginebra doesn’t just rely on its physical tools to win games. In fact, the Barangay are leading the PBA in this conference in assists with 26.5 dimes per game to go with 67.7 AST% – also No. 1 overall. Brownlee and Scottie Thompson ensure Ginebra has constant ball movement on the floor not to mention the likes of LA Tenorio and Standhardinger, who’s an underrated passer (third on the team with 2.7 APG).
PREDICTION:
Spread: Converge (+4) covers the spread.
Over/Under: The total (195.5) hits the Over.
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