By Jonas Terrado
Game Today
(Quezon Convention Center, Lucena)
5 p.m. – Ginebra vs Rain or Shine
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s bid for an eighth win in nine games could likely be overshadowed by Rain or Shine’s dilemma surrounding Raymond Almazan today when the two teams square off in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City.
Almazan is likely to miss his third straight game in the 5 p.m. Petron Saturday Special due to a sudden disappearance that has left the struggling Elasto Painters in the dark while raising speculations of a potential trade.
Agent Danny Espiritu said Almazan is dealing with a family issue, though it remains unclear as to why the Rain or Shine rim protector has yet to show up in daily practices.
The former Letran star’s absence has added more dilemma for Rain or Shine, which has yet to win after four matches going into the match with the league-leading Ginebra squad that could see the return of Greg Slaughter and Sol Mercado.
Slaughter has been out since early-September due to an ankle sprain while Mercado sustained a meniscus tear but the two have participated in recent practices, adding boost to a Kings squad that will seek to maintain its hold on top spot.
Art dela Cruz, who has been out since last year when he was still with Blackwater, could also make his much-awaited Ginebra debut in the final stretch of the Kings’ roadshow.
Ginebra will play its third game outside of Metro Manila in the last two weeks, having won the previous two over Phoenix in Cagayan de Oro City and Meralco last Sunday in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
Import Justin Brownlee continues to play the lead role for Ginebra with averages of 33.4 points, 12.3 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.5 steals and 2.0 blocks.
Japeth Aguilar, LA Tenorio and Scottie Thompson remain a big part of the Kings’ success, but Cone has marveled the quality minutes being provided by Aljon Mariano and Prince Caperal in lieu of the injuries suffered by his key players.
Rain or Shine, meanwhile, will rely again on its balanced scoring attack in hopes of securing a breakthrough win despite the Almazan situation.
Import Terrence Watson attempts to improve on his 13.5-point, 13.5-rebound numbers after two games as a replacement for J’Nathan Bullock.
