#PBA2015 PREVIEW: PUREFOODS STAR HOTSHOTS vs BARAKO BULL ENERGY – STREAK OR SKID?

This is a match-up between teams on opposite trajectories. On one hand, we have PUR, which is looking for its third win in a row and hoping to stay among the top two teams in the standings. On the other hand, the Barako Bull Energy have dropped three in a row and are suddenly in danger of missing the quarterfinal round unless they can win their next two outings. What will it be after this game — will PUR keep its streak alive, or will BAR halt its skid?

Here are some things to watch in this game:

1. DENZEL KNOWS

Denzel Bowles dropped a great game in PUR’s previous game against TNT in Davao. Bowles played a marathon 51 minutes in that three-overtime thriller and led Purefoods to its sixth win in nine games. Since coming back to PUR, Bowles has led the team to two wins in three games. He has clearly had a great effect on the squad, so look for them to be the favorites in this match-up.

Comm Cup stats: 32.0ppg, 12.7rpg, 4.7apg, 1.0spg, 3.0bpg, 43.2 FG%

2. ALEX HAS ARRIVED

Alex Mallari was great once again for PUR in its last game. Ranged against a smaller but quicker TNT guard corps, Mallari was awesome. He recorded a near-double-double, played great defense, and was just effective on both ends of the ball. In 32 minutes, he also turned the ball over just twice! Needless to say if he continues playing this well, PUR has a solid chance of defending the title.

Comm Cup stats: 9.3ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.9apg, 33.3 3pt%, 41.3 FG%

*When Mallari scores 10+ points, PUR is 4-0.

*When Mallari scores fewer than 10 points, PUR is 2-3.

3. KING OF REBOUND

Marc Pingris played the third-most minutes in that game against TNT, and though he scored just 7 points and took just 6 shots, he more than justified his playing time by grabbing 13 rebounds. Ping is fourth overall amongst all locals in rebounding, and is third overall among all locals in offensive boards.

Pingris: 8.3 rebounds per game (4th among locals)

First 4 games: 5.8rpg

Last 5 games: 8.6rpg

4. THE BARROCA FACTOR

Another guy who did well against TNT was Mark Barroca. The former Gilas PG shot 50% from the field on his way to 13 points while also getting the ball to his teammates and playing tight defense. He has been great this conference, scoring in double-figures in 7 of PUR’s 9 games so far. If he can continue playing at a very high level, then the Hotshots have the inside track to defending their crown. What he has to work on, though, is taking care of the basketball.

Comm Cup stats: 12.6ppg, 5.0rpg, 2.4apg, 1.4spg

First 5 games: 1.2 turnovers per game (4-1 record)

Last 4 games: 4.5 turnovers per game (2-2 record)

5. HINDI UMALAB SI ALABI

One reason BAR lost to MER in their previous game was Solomon Alabi’s struggling. Alabi was shackled in that encounter, hoisting just ten FGs and making 4. This was, by far, the Nigerian native’s worst game of the conference, and it’ll probably not happen again. Still, for BAR to secure a playoff spot, Alabi will need to rediscover his effectiveness soon.

Comm Cup stats: 22.6ppg, 20.0rpg, 3.8bpg, 50.7 FG%

vs MER: 14pts, 12rebs, 2blks, 40.0 FG%

6. BACKCOURT BUSTERS

Despite the loss, BAR enjoyed great production from a pair of backcourt veterans — Pao Hubalde and Chico Lanete. Both guys scored 13 points and combined to shoot 12/18 from the field. They also paired up for 5 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 steals. If both veterans can put up similar numbers against PUR, they can maybe negate the effect of guys like Barroca, Yap, and Simon.

Combined Comm Cup stats: 13.9ppg, 4.1rpg, 3.7apg, 2.7spg, 38.7 FG%

Combined vs MER: 26pts, 5rebs, 7asts, 3stls, 12/18 FGs

7. GROUNDED ROCKET

Another guy who struggled against MER was JC “The Rocket” Intal. Prior to this game, Intal had been playing splendid basketball, but it seems the law of averages caught up with the former Ateneo star as he put up a lot of bricks against the Bolts. He also had 3 turnovers and missed all his three-pointers.

Comm Cup stats: 13.6ppg, 4.9rpg, 2.4apg, 1.0spg, 39.8 FG%, 1.6 TOpg

vs MER: 10pts, 7rebs, 2asts, 5/16 FGs, 3 TOs

8. GET THAT OFFENSE GOING

One thing that has plagued BAR is offensive inconsistency. They are actually one of the league’s better defensive teams, but their main problem has been scoring. If the Energy can find some way to put up a big line against PUR, they can spring an upset here.

BAR in Wins: 87.3ppg

BAR in Losses: 84.6ppg

BAR overall scoring: 85.3ppg (11th in the league)

PUR overall scoring: 94.3ppg (tied for 3rd)

*BAR and PUR are tied for 5th in pts allowed per game: 88.6ppg

9. MARQUEE MATCH-UP: FORWARD FRACAS

The marquee match-up in this game will be between two versatile forwards — JC Intal and Joe Devance. Both Intal and JDV can attack the basket or shoot from long range. They have great size at the SF spot, can post up, and have good handles. Whoever puts up better numbers will give his team a shot in the arm at winning this match.

Intal season stats: 12.8ppg, 5.0rpg, 2.0apg, 40.7 FG%, 27.5 3pt%

Devance season stats: 11.5ppg, 5.7rpg, 3.0apg, 47.7 FG%, 27.3 3pt%

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