By REYNALD MAGALLON
A pair of mouth-watering duels that feature a clash between Converge and San Miguel and a showdown between Barangay Ginebra and NorthPort serve as curtain raisers in the 2022 PBA Commissioner’s Cup playoffs begin at the PhilSports Arena on Wednesday, Dec. 7.
Rolling the red carpet for the much-anticipated playoff action is the series opener of the best-of-three quarterfinals series between the No 4 seed FiberXers and the No. 5 Beermen in the first offering at 3 p.m.
Following suit is the equally exciting face-off between No.3 seed Kings and No.6 Batang Pier who, likewise, will open their series at 5:45 p.m.
Both San Miguel and NorthPort are determined to exact their revenge against their rivals after falling to their hands in their lone meetings in the eliminations.
The Beermen, for one, is more confident heading into the game as compared to their 102-106 loss against the FiberXers in the eliminations with the return of main man June Mar Fajardo and flamboyant guard Terrence Romeo.
Import Devon Scott who now looks more comfortable than ever in his role with SMB, should also be extra motivated to get back at Converge which gave him a rude welcome to the PBA during that loss.
Quincy Miller, though, is expected to lead the run-and-gun offense of Aldin Ayo along with spitfire and deadshot guards in Aljun Melecio, Maverick Ahanmisi and RK Ilagan along with steady contributors Jeron Teng and Abu Tratter.
The Batang Pier, on the other hand, look to cut the strings of futility against the Kings who have defeated them in all of their last eight meetings since 2019 – the last of which a 122-105 decision.
NorthPort has already proven that Ginebra should not take them for granted especially after taking control of the last three quarters in the last game before ultimately collapsing in the end against a Jamie Malonzo and Justin Brownlee-led Ginebra charge
Coach Pido Jarencio is leaning on his main guns in Robert Bolick, Arvin Tolentino and Will Navarro while import Prince Ibeh anchors the defense of the team against a powerhouse Ginebra crew.
Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar, LA Tenorio and Stanley Pringle are also poised to make solid contributions for the fancied Kings.
