The Meralco-Ginebra rivalry is on again as they’ll meet for the first time this conference in the semifinals stage. Who will fire the opening salvo?
Catch the game this Wednesday, September 26th, at 5:00 PM.
Meralco Bolts
Projected starting five:
- Chris Banchero
- Allein Maliksi
- Chris Newsome
- Allen Durham
- Raymond Almazan
The Bolts went 2-2 in their last four games after previously winning four-straight (7-3 in the conf.). The good thing, however, was their last outing prior to the playoffs was a 124-82 obliteration of the Terrafirma Dyip, where they were firing on all cylinders.
As per usual, look for Allen Durham to be “Mr. Everything.” He has once again led Meralco in points, rebounds, and assists, and we should continue seeing such play, especially since it’s again hated rival Ginebra and his longtime friendly foe, Justin Brownlee.
Chris Banchero figures to remain as the consistent second scorer while also being a facilitator and being a feisty presence on defense. Chris Newsome has been lukewarm this past month, but don’t be surprised if he suddenly turns on the jets for the all-important semis.
Outside of rim protector Raymond Almazan, athletic wing Allein Maliksi, sensational rookie CJ Cansino, big bodied forward Alvin Pasaol is one to watch out for. He had a team-high 21 points in the regular season finale.
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel
Projected starting five:
- Scottie Thompson
- Maverick Ahanmisi
- Stephen Holt
- Justin Brownlee
- Japeth Aguilar
Like Meralco, Ginebra shakily finished the elimination rounds. The Barangay went 1-2 in their last three games after racking up four consecutive wins (6-4 in the conf.).
The Justin Brownlee express isn’t as damning to defenses like in year’s past, but best believe that great imports always bring it when it counts the most, much like we said about Durham, he’s expected to be extra motivated with Meralco over on the other end – the Bolts winning the previous conference amplifies it too. Expect scoring and all-around aggressiveness from this all-time import.
Veteran big man Japeth Aguilar had a heck of a conference at 19.3 points per game, which becomes even better when you remember that he’s already 37. We’ll see how much he can show-off opposite Almazan and Durham.
In any case, Ginebra has weapons on weapons. New Gin King Stephen Holt has shown flashes of his fit on the team, and he’s firepower alongside 2022 PBA MVP Scottie Thompson and Maverick Ahanmisi, among others. Rookie RJ Abbarientos has been hitting his strides as well, and he’ll have an interesting matchup vs. Meralco’s guards.
Ginebra has everything. Coach Tim Cone simply has to put it all together.
PICKS:
Spread: Ginebra (-1.5)
Over/Under: Over (195)
