#PBA2015 GOVS CUP PREVIEW: BARAKO BULL ENERGY vs SAN MIGUEL BEERMEN – STREAKS COLLIDE

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In one corner we have a team with a deeply stacked roster that added to its storied history after winning the 2015 Philippine Cup, while in the other corner we have a team that, on paper, looks like a hodge-podge of players other squads found dispensable. These are two teams on opposite ends of the spectrum. These are two teams built in completely different ways. Strangely enough, however, the “stronger” Beermen are stuck in the middle of the standings, while the “weaker” Energy are sitting pretty atop the heap with a 4-0 slate.

SMB started this conference slow, losing to Kia and Meralco, further fueling the notion that things needed to be shaken up. They have since bounced back strong, though, winning their last three games to put up an impressive win streak. The quality of their last three foes has also been good as they beat Commish Cup finalist ROS, erstwhile unbeaten GlobalPort, and defending Govs Cup champ Star Hotshots. If the Beermen can play with a lot of intensity in this one and impose their will, they should have a great chance at dealing BAR its first loss this conference.

Speaking of the Energy, they played really well of late, beating more stacked clubs, including Commish Cup champ TNT. In those games, the Energy have shown that, despite having players seemingly tossed from their former teams, they can not only be competitive, but they can also actually beat more fancied foes. Behind the great play of import Liam McMorrow, JC Intal, Dylan Ababou, and Joseph Yeo, BAR has turned a lot of heads so far, and if they continue playing fearless basketball, they can maybe extend their winning run to five games.

Previous results:

PHL Cup

SMB beat BAR, 103-89

COMM Cup

SMB beat BAR, 102-91

1. NINJA MOVES

If anything, Joseph Yeo proved in his previous game that he has the stuff to be a bona fide star in the PBA. Yeo hit 5 treys against MER on his way to a team-high 28 points, providing a HUGE spark off the bench as the Energy bucked a slow start to deal the Bolts their third defeat in five matches. If he can wax hot here as well, the Energy may actually pul the rug from under the Beermen.

First 2 games: 5.5ppg, 1.5rpg, 2.0apg, 0/4 threes, 30.8 FG%

Last 2 games: 20.0ppg, 4.5rpg, 6.0apg, 7/18 threes, 39.4 FG%

2. LEAPING LIAM MCMORROW!

Perhaps the biggest reason BAR has been so successful, however, is the play of big man Liam McMorrow. McMorrow has shown that his uncanny combo of size, athleticism, and mobility is just very difficult to stop. He’ll get a big test against June Mar Fajardo in this game, but don’t be surprised if the big Canadian continues his strong play.

Average stats: 25.3ppg, 22.0rpg, 1.3spg, 63.2 FG%

3. CHUA’S DIRTY DOZEN

One guy the Bolts didn’t really count on making a big impact was former Ateneo Blue Eagle Justin Chua. Prior to the Meralco game, Chua had been playing just 9.3 minutes per game, but he got 12 minutes of burn against the Bolts. He made the most of his time, though, dropping 12 points, hauling down 6 rebounds, and getting 2 steals. That’s a dozen points in a dozen minutes, with Chua shooting a flawless 3/3 from the field and 6/6 from the line. If Chua’s dirty dozen game is any indication, SMB cannot afford to overlook him in this match.

First 3 games: 0.7ppg, 2.3rpg, 1/6 FGs

Last game: 12pts, 6rebs, 3/3 FGs

4. EASY AZ REID

When he’s healthy and locked in, AZ Reid makes basketball look easy. He’s aggressive in attacking the basket and can hit the outside shot. He also has great court vision and rebounds the ball pretty well. He will surely make life tough for BAR’s wingmen JC Intal and Dylan Ababou.

In losses: 15.0ppg, 9.0rpg, 3.5apg, 32.3 FG%, 28.6 3pt%

In wins: 35.3ppg, 10.3rpg, 4.0apg, 50.0 FG%, 45.5 3pt%

5. JUNE MAR FAJARDO: FEAR THE KRAKEN!

June Mar Fajardo went buck wild against PUR, putting up one of his most impressive games so far. It was his first 20-20 game of the conference, but, given how aggressive he has looked, it may not be the last. If the Energy cannot contain Fajardo, the Kraken may just explode again.

Govs Cup stats: 16.4ppg, 14.6rpg, 1.6bpg, 56.1 FG%

Last game: 21pts, 20rebs, 2blks, 63.6 FG%

6. POWER TO THE POINT GUARDS!

Playmaking partners Chris Ross and Alex Cabagnot did really well in their last game, combining for 27 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals, 2 blocks, and 4 triples. They shot a combined 50% from the floor. Cabagnot played well as the starter while Ross did really well backing him up. There was no drop in production between both guys, and if that happens again in this game, BAR will be in big trouble.

Ross vs PUR: 14pts, 6rebs, 3asts, 3stls, 6/9 FGs

Cabagnot vs PUR: 13pts, 7rebs, 3asts, 1stl, 2blks, 4 triples

7. OVERWHELMING OFFENSE

BAR & SMB are two of the top three scoring teams in the league so far. BAR is putting up 102.5ppg, while SMB is scoring 99.8ppg. BAR is #2 and SMB is #3. If both teams play true to form in this game, it should be a high-scoring affair, which probably means the biggest difference-maker will be defense. In a game with two teams that can score well, it’ll be the squad that makes key defensive stops that will probably come out with the win.

BAR: 102.5ppg (#2), 42.5 FG% (#6), 19.8apg (#2), +9.5 average pt. difference (#1)

SMB: 99.8ppg (#3), 43.1 FG% (#5), 35.2 3pt% (#2), 5.6 average pt. difference (#3)

8. BATTLE OF THE BOARDS

Aside from scoring, BAR & SMB are also currently among the league’s best in terms of rebounding. They are actually 1-2 in average rebounds. Given the size of McMorrow for BAR and Fajardo for SMB, it’ll be interesting to see how hard these teams will compete for those boards. I expect that it will be a crazy battle between these two teams as they try to outrebound each other.

Rebounds: BAR 57.8rpg, SMB 52.4rpg

BAR: 

McMorrow –  22.0rpg

Intal – 7.0rpg

Jake Pascual – 5.0rpg

SMB:

Fajardo – 14.6rpg

Reid – 9.8rpg

Santos – 4.8rpg

Cabagnot – 4.8rpg

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