#PBA2015 GOVS’ CUP PREVIEW: BLACKWATER ELITE vs BARAKO BULL ENERGY – RISE UP!

BLA and BAR have started on different paths so far this conference. The Elite have lost their first two games, with Marcus Douthit pretty much the only bright spot for the team, while the Energy won their opening assignment, beating back a determined NLX squad.

One key for this game is can BLA’s locals finally deliver? Nobody has really become the clear #2 or #3 guy who can support Douthit as this team’s main option. Clearly, BLA’s supporting cast needs to rise up if this team is to go anywhere this conference.

BAR, meanwhile, is hoping it can win its second straight game and rise up the standings. It needs all the momentum it can get before it faces more tough competition ahead. Of course, it goes without saying that the Energy will continue to rely on import Liam McMorrow and the reinvigorated JC Intal.

Here are some things to watch in this game:

1. A ONE-MAN TEAM?

So far this conference, it seems like BLA is nothing more than a one-man team, and that one man is none other than Kuya Marcus Douthit. Douthit, as expected, has been getting his numbers, but he hasn’t been getting much support from his local crew. Needless to say, if the locals continue to struggle, so will the Elite.

Douthit stats: 26.0ppg, 15.5rpg, 3.5apg, 4.0bpg, 50.0 FG%

Rest of the team: 35.4 FG%, 2.0bpg, 2nd to the last in scoring, 2nd to the last in pts allowed.

2. CERVANTES STRUGGLES

Speaking of struggling locals, one guy who has been having a tough time adjusting is former KIA star forward Reil Cervantes. Cervantes started well with the Carnival this season, but he has struggled since being shipped to the Elie. He has had difficulty finding his range and hasn’t really found any rhythm yet.

Season stats: 13.2ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.7apg, 36.8 FG%

This conference: 9.0ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.5apg, 28.0 FG%

3. SHOOTING BLANKS

Three-point shooting was one glaring weakness for the Elite in their previous game against the Batang Pier. BLA took two dozen shots from long distance, but they only made a pair. That’s a success rate of less than 10%! Their total FG% was bad, too — just 35.4%. They’ll certainly need to make more long bombs so they can open things up more for Kuya Marcus in the middle.

vs GLO: 2/24 3pts, 8.3 3pt%, 29/82 FGs, 35.4 FG%

Cervantes: 4/14 FGs, 1/7 3pts

Sunday Salvacion: 2/9 FGs, 1/7 3pts

Bam Gamalinda: 1/6 FGs, 0/3 3pts

Gilbert Bulawan: 0/4 FGs

4. BOTHERING BRIAN?

I’m not sure why, but Brian Heruela just hasn’t played well to start this conference. This is in stark contrast to how well he played in the Commish Cup, where he was among the league’s best players. Now he seems less aggressive in attacking the basket and a bit more turnover-prone, too. He’s maybe the most important local player on this team and he will need to rediscover his sharp form.

Commish Cup: 11.5ppg, 5.0rpg, 4.9apg, 1.6spg, 2.2 TOpg, 44.9 FG%

This conference: 5.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 5.5apg, 3.0 TOpg, 44.4 FG%

5. OH MCMORROW!

Despite playing just one game, Liam McMorrow already looks to be one of the most impressive imports this conference. The 7’2 Canadian was basically unstoppable in his first game against NLEX. He had a legit 30-20 game and missed just three of his fourteen attempts from the field. His teammates repeatedly found him in his sweet spots and, he didn’t disappoint. If he can continue to be a tower of strength for BAR, they may go far this conference. There is one concern, though — he had ZERO blocked shots. For a guy who is 7’2… that’s not a promising sign.

vs NLX: 33pts, 22rebs (11 offensive), 1stl, 11/14 FGs.

6. INSPIRED INTAL

Another Barako player who did superbly against NLX was JC Intal. Intal has been enjoying a resurgence in his career and his inspired play has helped BAR become a dangerous team this season. His 24-11 double-double against NLX wowed a lot of people, and if he can be consistent with that kind of production, we may see him finally emerge as a true star in this league.

vs NLX: 24pts, 11rebs, 3asts, 1blk, 4 triples, 57.1 3pt%, 47.6 FG%

Season stats: 13.6ppg, 5.1rpg, 2.0apg, 1.4 triples per game, 30.2 3pt%, 41.2 FG% — he is having the best season of his career so far.

7. DYLAN ABABOU SIGHTING!

Was that former King Tiger Dylan Ababou making his presence felt in BAR’s win over NLX?! Why, yes! Ababou, who was seemingly been forgotten when he was still in Ginebra, erupted for a season-high 16 points in his first game for BAR. He showcased the sharp offensive game that made him a highly-touted rookie coming into the league in 2011. If he can approximate this kind of production every game, he and JC Intal should form a lethal 1-2 punch at the wings for the Energy.

vs NLX: 16pts, 2rebs, 6/11 FGs, 2/4 3pts

Season stats: 2.3ppg, 0.7rpg, 30.0 FG

8. ENERGY ON THE RISE?

With the big trade shipping out Sol Mercado, it seemed like BAR was, once again, doomed to fail this conference, but their big win over NLX signals otherwise. This may just be the kind of set-up BAR’s players need to really shine. With no clear-cut superstar on the team, everyone has a fair chance to contribute, and with McMorrow seemingly a dominant force, the Energy may just be the big surprise of this conference.

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