The Meralco Bolts are looking to strengthen their record as we approach the home stretch, while the Terrafirma Dyip are just hoping to exit the conference on a high note.
Catch the game this Wednesday, September 21st, at 7:30 PM.
Meralco Bolts (6-3)
Projected starting five:
- Chris Banchero
- Allein Maliksi
- Chris Newsome
- Allen Durham
- Raymond Almazan
The Bolts unexpectedly lost to the Converge FiberXers on Wednesday, 105-97, in what was an all-night struggle. It was their lowest scoring output of the conference and they shot just 8-of-26 from beyond the arc.
Despite that, Friday still looks like an easy opportunity to return to the win column. Meralco beat Terrafirma last August 28th, 107-91, courtesy another strong performance from Allen Durham. He bulldozed his way for 23 points, 12 rebounds, and three assists, and a pair of steals.
With Chris Newsome having a mostly down conference, Chris Banchero has been one of the most consistent locals as of late, delivering ample scoring support for Durham to go along hustle and facilitating. He’s had multiple 20-point nights in the Governor’s Cup, and had a very serviceable 17 points and five assists in the win over Terrafirma weeks back.
Newsome was clutch in their Philippine Cup title run, so let’s see if he turns it up in the playoffs. Either way, though, CJ Cansino, Allein Maliksi, and Bong Quinto, among others, will have to be more assertive in aiding the top guys.
Terrafirma Dyip (1-8)
- Stanley Pringle
- Paolo Hernandez
- Kenmark Carino
- Antonio Hester
- Aldrech Ramos
Terrafirma earned its first win of the conference on Thursday, ironically defeating current number one seed TNT Tropang Giga, 84-82. They gave up 25 and 23 points to Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and RR Pogoy, respectively, but limited the rest of TNT to under single digits.
Though on its way to yet another playoff-less run, Terra may come in more relaxed than ever courtesy of collecting that skid-busting victory. They can still play spoilers too.
As always, import Antonio Hester and veteran point guard Stanley Pringle will be Dyip’s 1-2 punch, especially since other key options Juami Tiongson and Christian Standhardinger are both out for an extended period. Hester and Pringle have led the squad offensively all through the Governor’s Cup.
Dyip is short on options, so the secondary weapons will be a committee between veteran interior presence Aldrech Ramos, big man Kenmark Carino, Swedish-pinoy Andreas Cahilig and rookie Paolo Hernandez.
PICKS:
Spread: Meralco (-7.5)
Over/Under: Over (202)
