A Player facing his old team, and a team looking to avenge a shocking loss are the storylines of Wednesday’s PBA 49th Season Governors’ Cup playdate at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Meralco, holding a share of first place with idle TNT with a 3-1 win-loss record, is going for the solo lead in Group A in the match. Converge is in the middle of the pack, in a three-team logjam with Magnolia and NorthPort on 2-2 win-loss records.
Converge vs. Meralco
When: Wednesday, September 4, 5 p.m.
Where: Smart-Araneta Coliseum
Watch: RPTV, PBA Rush, Pilipinas Live
Meralco’s last game against Converge was something the Bolts would rather forget (or not). Last April 21, the FiberXers pulled off an upset, ending a 12-game losing streak to beat the Bolts, 104-99, in the Philippine Cup. The loss, however, proved to be a turning point for Meralco, who went on to win five straight games to reach the semifinals and eventually capture their first-ever PBA crown. A win by Meralco would give them a measure of revenge against Converge.
Coming off a 109-99 win over NorthPort, the Bolts gun for a third straight triumph and the top spot in Group A which also features TNT, Magnolia, and Terrafirma.
Despite injuries to key players like Aaron Black (meniscus), Allein Maliksi (knee), and Raymond Almazan (knee), Meralco managed to pile up three wins in four games for a share of the no. 1 slate with the Tropang Giga.
Black and Maliksi are expected to sit out for a month, while Almazan is expected to be back soon.
As if that was not enough, Cliff Hodge also had to sit out most of the match against the Batang Pier because of back issues.
The Bolts will need the bench led by Anjo Caram to step up anew when it faces the FiberXers (2-2) in the 5pm match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
