The first week in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup saw teams roll to a hot start, some still struggle for form.
NorthPort and Blackwater made early import changes in a conference where the six-a-week playdate requires quick turnaround for teams. But after teams got the feel of the two-group field, things are expected to pick up once the second week unfurls beginning on Tuesday, August 27.
Check out this week’s set of games in the Governors’ Cup.
August 27 | Smart Araneta Coliseum
Converge vs TNT - 5pm
San Miguel vs Ginebra - 7:30pm
It's an early clash between the titans in the Governors’ Cup.
But while San Miguel rolled to two straight wins with June Mar Fajardo and import Jordan Adams leading the charge, it’s a different story so far for Ginebra.
The Gin Kings still looked like they are still groping for form after adding into the mix rookie RJ Abarrientos and acquiring Stephen Holt and Isaac Go from trade.
Ginebra must get its act together in time for the 7:30pm clash against the Beermen.
August 28 | Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Meralco vs Terrafirma - 5pm
NLEX vs Rain or Shine - 7:30pm
So far, NLEX and Rain or Shine have shown they are a playoff team in the ongoing conference after a 2-0 start.
The Road Warriors have weathered storms twice now after squandering double digit deficits, which is both good and bad signs for the Jong Uichico-mentored squad.
But Uichico took comfort in the fact his wards, led by Robert Bolick and import Myke Henry, can maintain their composure when the going got tough in the homestretch.
Meanwhile, Rain or Shine looked a much-improved team with the arrival of rookies Caelan Tiongson and Felix Lemetti.
The two were instrumental in the first two wins, with Lemetti coming up big in the clutch when Rain or Shine dealt Ginebra a loss at the Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur on Saturday, August 24.
Only one team will come out with a perfect record in Wednesday’s match.
August 29 | Ninoy Aquino Stadium
NorthPort vs Converge -5pm
TNT vs Magnolia - 7:30pm
After one game with Taylor Johns, NorthPort finally deployed resident import Venky Jois.
It was as if Jois never left, as he led the team to a 112-93 win over Terrafirma on the strength of a 16-point, and 15-rebound performance he embellished with six assists, a steal, and a block.
His mettle will be tested anew when NorthPort takes on Converge which boasts of prolific import Scotty Hopson.
The FiberXers and Hopson are eager to rebound from a disappointing loss to Magnolia where they came back from 21 points down but fell short.
August 30 | Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Rain or Shine vs Phoenix -5pm
Ginebra vs Blackwater - 7:30pm
Blackwater is on a three-game tailspin.
That was why the Bossing are bringing in former San Miguel import Cam Clark to salvage their campaign.
Clark is replacing Ricky Ledo, whose ankle injuries limited his production to a total of 18 points in two games.
Just as desperate is Ginebra, which looked far from the powerhouse team it was before trading away former Best Player of the Conference winners Christian Standhardinger and Stephen Holt.
August 31 | Cagayan de Oro City
San Miguel vs NLEX - 6pm
The hottest teams in Group B clash in the lone out-of-town game in Cagayan de Oro City.
San Miguel found a tailor-fit import in Taylor Adams, who does not demand the rock be in his hands every possession.
Here’s an import who deferred to his teammates like June Mar Fajardo and CJ Perez for most of the match. But when things are not going well for the Beermen, he can also take charge the way he did in a win over Blackwater where he dropped 50 points.
NLEX got someone that does that as well in Myke Henry.
Henry is as cool as he could ever be, a stabilizer for a team that has always looked to Bolick when the going got tough.
When Phoenix threatened to turn the tables against the Road Warriors on Sunday, August 26, Henry stepped up and made the biggest baskets and rolled to a 2-0 start for NLEX.
September 1 | Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Magnolia vs Terrafirma - 5pm
Meralco vs NorthPort - 7:30pm
Magnolia has always depended on its old reliables to get the job done especially in the playoffs.
Such was also the case when the Hotshots hacked out a 105-93 decision against Converge last Friday, August 23 for its first win in the conference.
But coach Chito Victolero and the Hotshots take comfort in the fact that the young Jerrick Ahanmisi is proving he can hang with the big boys after providing the early offense for the team with 14 points.
Terrafirma, meanwhile, is still in disarray after a conference that saw the Dyip make a historic quarterfinals appearance in the Philippine Cup last season.
But it was understandable. The Dyip are still trying to figure out how to infuse Standhardinger and Pringle into the system anyway.