PBA: Converge, Phoenix clash
TAKE your pick: Converge FiberX or Phoenix Super LPG?
The two hottest teams in the league put their respective five-game winning streaks on the line when they square off in a pivotal PBA Commissioner’s Cup game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Game time is 3 p.m. with the FiberXers gunning for a sixth straight win and more importantly, second place overall at 7-2 behind only the 6-1 of league-leading Magnolia Chicken Timplados.
A sixth straight win and a 6-3 win-loss record is also on the mind of the Fuel Masters as they hope to tighten their grip on fifth place in the 13-team standings.
Converge coach Aldin Ayo and Phoenix mentor Topex Robinson know what at stake in the match that could determine their fate in the import-flavored conference.
“It will be like a collegiate match, I’m familiar with them and they’re familiar with me also. We have the same approach so it would be an exciting game,” said Ayo, who took the place of Jeffrey Cariaso from the old Alaska franchise only last August.
“We still have a lot of work to do. We know that it’s gonna be harder the next time because we’re gonna play Converge, which is also playing well,” admitted Robinson.
The 5:45 p.m.second game will pit NLEX against NorthPort, two teams eager to get back on the winning track and keep their playoff hopes alive.
The Road Warriors, who are struggling with back-to-back losses to San Miguel (116-124) and Converge (84-108), and the Batang Pier, who are mired in three straightt setbacks to Magnolia ( 91-109), San Miguel (86-104) and Rain or Shine (75-76), need a victory to remain in contention.
NLEX coach Frankie Lim and NorthPort mentor Pido Jarencio know the importance of the game, which some observers claim as a virtual knockout encounter.
NLEX is currently tied with San Miguel Beer at 3-4, half a game ahead of NorthPort’s 3-5.
