The Converge FiberXers are about to play their first playoff game as a PBA franchise this Wednesday, but can they take down an established squad like the TNT Tropang Giga? Or, will the Tropang Giga show why they are one of the most successful teams in league history?

Catch this game live on Wednesday,  July 27 at 3 pm, Manila time.

TNT Tropang Giga (0-0)

Projected Starting Five:

• PG: Brian Heruela
• SG: Mike Williams
• SF: Glenn Khobuntin
• PF: Kelly Williams
• C: Troy Rosario

One thing about the Tropang Giga heading into this game is that their bodies are well-rested. They have not seen action in over two weeks by the time they take on Converge this Wednesday. In their last game, the Tropang Giga defeated the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on July 10 to the tune of a 106-92 score. That was a nice rebound for the Tropang Giga after losing to the San Miguel Beermen in the previous game 115-99. 

TNT also took care of business in the first meeting this conference with the FiberXers, beating the newest PBA franchise on June 12, 86-83. While the score suggests that Converge was competitive in that contest, it must be noted that the Tropang Giga didn’t have their certified bucket-getter in Mikey Williams back then. Well, Williams is available now for the Tropang Giga, and he’ll be a gravity-attracting presence on the perimeter. So far in the conference, Williams is averaging 21.7 points per game while shooting 36.6 3FG%. 

Converge FiberXers (0-0)

Projected Starting Five:

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

Earlier this conference, Converge didn’t look like a team that was going to make the playoffs, as the FiberXers lost three of their first four games. But here they are in the middle of preparation for a postseason battle in just their first conference as a PBA franchise, thanks in large part to a late surge. After a 2-5 start, the FiberXers closed out the elimination round with a 3-1 stretch, capped by a 92-90 win over the Blackwater Bossing on July 20. 

It seems that Converge’s offense has gotten better, as evidenced by the fact that the FiberXers have scored at least 90 points in three of their last four games. If anything, Converge has relatively excellent ball security, as the FiberXers finished the elimination round no. 1 in the league with a 13.3 TOV%. Jeron Teng lead the team with 14.5 points per game.

PREDICTION:

Spread: TNT (-8) covers.

Over/Under:  Taking the Over (180.0).