#PBA2015 PREVEW: TALK N TEXT TROPANG TEXTERS vs PUREFOODS STAR HOTSHOTS – DUEL IN DAVAO

These are the top two teams in the league right now, and the result of this game will have a pretty significant effect on the standings. A win for PUR means they tie TNT at the top, while a win for TNT will give them a bit more separation from the rest of the field. Clearly, this duel in Davao is going to have big implications moving forward.

Here are the things to watch in this game:

1. THRIVIN’ IVAN

Journeyman import Ivan Johnson has been great so far for TNT, leading them to a 2-1 record in his stint and recording three monster double-doubles in three games. He’ll have his hands full against Denzel Bowles and the Hotshots, but if he can continue to stuff the stat-sheet, then TNT will have a solid chance at winning this game.

Comm Cup stats: 29.3ppg, 14.0rpg, 2.3apg, 2.7spg, 39.4 FG%

vs GLO: 35pts, 20rebs, 2asts, 3stls, 3 triples, 41.7 FG%

2. RANIDIRK

Gilas Pilipinas PF Ranidel De Ocampo also impressed in TNT’s previous game. Ranidirk has actually been pretty consistent this conference, his production against the Batang Pier was surely his best game yet. He stretched the floor really well, hitting 6 triples, and if he can approximate that level of production against PUR today, TNT can have the upper-hand.

Comm Cup stats: 13.6ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.5apg, 2.3 triples per game, 40.9 3pt%

vs GLO: 25pts, 5rebs, 3asts, 6 triples, 66.7 3pt%

3. MARVELOUS MATT

Another guy who stepped up big was Matt Ganuelas-Rosser. Despite being a rookie, Rosser has been an effective two-way baller for TNT this season. He seems to gain more confidence as each game comes, and his Rookie-Sophomore Game MVP plum this past weekend should serve to boost his confidence even more.

Last game: 13pts, 3rebs, 3asts, 2stls, 1blk

4. DO IT WITH DEFENSE

In its previous game, TNT was able to outlast GLO with the help of great defense. The Texters were aggressive in going for the ball, resulting in 8 steals and enabling them to force 17 GLO turnovers. They also forced GLO to shoot just 7/25 from beyond the arc. In contrast, TNT turned the ball over only 4 times and shot 12/30 from three-point area. If TNT can clamp down on PUR here, this could be over quickly.

Turnovers: TNT – 4, GLO – 17

3pt shooting: TNT 40.0%, GLO – 28.0%

5. BOWLED OVER

PUR, meanwhile, leaned on the great game of Denzel Bowles to turn back SMB in its last game. Bowles dominated the interior in that game, especially after June Mar Fajardo went down with an injury. Now he’ll square off against a tough cookie in Ivan Johnson and a familiar foe in TNT. Will he bowl them over, or will he get bowled over?

2013 Comm Cup stats: 22.7ppg, 15.2rpg, 2.6apg, 2.1bpg, 43.3 FG%

2015 Comm Cup stats: 33.0ppg, 11.5rpg, 4.0apg, 1.5spg, 2.5bpg, 47.2 FG%

6. YARI KAY MALLARI

Another big contributor for PUR in its win over SMB was third-year big guard Alex Mallari. Mallari had one of his best games of the conference against SMB, scoring heavily from all over and helping with moving the ball, too. if the 6’4 combo guard can put up another big game here, TNT will be in trouble matching up.

Comm Cup stats: 8.4ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.8apg, 40.0 FG%

Last game: 17pts, 3rebs, 3asts, 58.3 FG%

7. VETERAN POWER

Veterans Marc Pingris and James Yap both did well for PUR against SMB. Ping was solid in scoring and rebounding in the paint, while James Yap, as always, took care of making big shots from long range. Both guys have been a little inconsistent this conference, but, boy, when both of them click, PUR is almost a sure shot to win. If both guys can bring their A-games here against rival TNT, the Texters will be in hot water.

Marc Pingris: 15pts, 9rebs, 4asts, 6/9 FGs

James Yap: 15pts, 1reb, 1ast, 2 triples

8. THE BEST DEFENSE IS A GOOD OFFENSE

In contrast to TNT, PUR utilized superior offense to dispose of SMB in its last game. The Hotshots made 50% of their field goals and went to the line 29 times, making 20. PUR also assisted on 21 of its 44 FGs, while limiting SMB to just 16 assists. If PUR can continue putting a lot of pressure on the opposing team’s D, then the Hotshots may not have a difficult time beating TNT.

FG%: PUR – 50.0%, SMB – 42.6%

FT%: PUR – 69.0%, SMB – 57.1%

Assists: PUR – 21, SMB – 16

9. MARQUEE MATCH-UP: CASTRO KONTRA BARROCA

The marquee match-up in this game will be between two former Gilas guards — Jayson Castro and Mark Barroca. Both guys are cat-quick and can finish from practically anywhere on the floor. They are also great at finding their teammates in places to score and defending opposing guards. Needless to say, whoever plays better gives his team a huge advantage. Both guys also kinda struggled in their previous games, so count them to want to really bounce back here.

Castro season stats: 16.1ppg, 3.6rpg, 4.3apg, 1.1spg, 39.4 3pt%, 43.7 FG%

Barroca season stats: 11.8ppg, 4.8rpg, 2.6apg, 1.4spg, 40.9 3pt%, 41.8 FG%

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