San Miguel Beer aims to secure its third consecutive victory as it faces sister team Barangay Ginebra in the featured matchup of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup on Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The two teams enter the game with differing results from their last outings.
The Beermen rebounded from a challenging first half, with import Jordan Adams delivering a remarkable 50-point performance to lead them to a 128-108 win over the all-Filipino Blackwater Bossing on Sunday.
Conversely, the Gin Kings began the season with a 73-64 loss to the revitalized Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the season’s opening out-of-town game held in Candon City, Ilocos Sur last Saturday.
The two highly decorated teams have consistently engaged in intense matchups, whether in the elimination rounds, playoffs, or Finals.
It’s no surprise that San Miguel coach Jorge Gallent is anticipating a tough challenge when the Beermen face off against the Gin Kings at 7:30 p.m.
Earlier in the day, TNT (2-0) and Converge (1-1) will play each other at 5 p.m.
Gallent noted, “We can’t afford to play like we did in the first half, or the Gin Kings will definitely dominate us,” referencing San Miguel’s sluggish performance in the first half, where they trailed Blackwater 63-56.
“We need to replicate our second-half performance against Barangay Ginebra on Tuesday. If we do that, we might be able to keep the game close,” he added.
Ginebra will still be short-handed, with wingmen Jamie Malonzo and Jeremiah Gray continuing their recovery from injuries.
Scottie Thompson, the Most Valuable Player of Season 47, has returned to the lineup after dealing with back issues since late last season. He managed only four points, shooting 1-of-10.
Justin Brownlee is anticipated to lead Ginebra, who showcased their offseason signings, Stephen Holt and Isaac Go, in Candon City.
Holt, acquired in a trade for Christian Standhardinger and Stanley Pringle, made his debut for Ginebra with 13 points and nine rebounds. In contrast, Go struggled, finishing 1-of-14 from the field with just two points and eight rebounds.
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