#PBA2015 GOVS CUP PREVIEW: NLEX ROAD WARRIORS vs SAN MIGUEL BEERMEN – BREAK THE DRAW
Right now, NLX and SMB are on opposite ends of the spectrum, but one little known thing is that these two teams’ season series is actually tied up at 1-1. For all the talent and depth that the Beermen have, they haven’t been able to sweep NLEX this season. Now, with SMB looking to solidify its place near the top of the standings and NLX looking rise from the cellar and build some momentum, it’ll be very interesting to see how this draw is broken and who comes out the winner.
The Beermen have been rolling these past couple of weeks, stringing together five straight wins after starting the conference 0-2. They’ve basically been perfect since AZ Reid overcame his bout with food poisoning, and they are definitely the favorites to win in this encounter with NLX.
The Road Warriors, meanwhile, finally have a complete and healthy roster after Michel Madanly was recovering from an injury through the first few games of the conference. NLX is surely raring to show everyone what they are truly capable of, and it’ll be very interesting to see if they can topple even the mighty Beermen.
It’s time to break the draw in this game, but, perhaps more importantly, both teams are trying to make the push for the next round.
Previous results:
PHL Cup
SMB beat NLX, 79-76.
COMM Cup
NLX beat SMB, 100-93
- ALEXANDER THE GREAT
Kwame Alexander was terrific in NLX’s last win over Alaska. He put up a nice double-double and shot well from the field. If he can do that again here, NLX can seriously threaten the Beermen.
vs ALA: 28pts, 11rebs, 2stls, 2blks, 1ast, 8/14 FGs, 12/13 FTs
- THE REAL MADANLY
Another guy who did splendidly against the Aces was Syrian import Michel Madanly. He struggled in his first few games this conference, but, once in the pink of health, has really shown what he can do. If he can continue to be on-target, SMB will have a tough time tonight.
First 3 games: 12.3ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.7 triples per game
Last 2 games: 25.0ppg, 5.5rpg, 5.0apg, 3.5 triples per game
- THE ROCK IS COOKING
Asi Taulava also had a strong game against the smaller Aces, putting up a nice double-double to control the middle. He will have a tough time tonight against the reigning MVP, but if he can somehow cancel out June Mar Fajardo’s production, that will give NLX a big boost!
Last game: 20pts, 13rebs, 8/17 FGs
- INSIDE POWER
As a team, NLX just dominated the interior against ALA. They outscored the Aces in the paint and outworked them on the glass. It’ll be tough to duplicate that against SMB, but if they can stand toe-to-toe against the bigger Beermen, then the Road Warriors may just pull out a win here.
Pts in the Paint: NLX 58, ALA 36
Rebounding: NLX 50, ALA 46
- AZ MAKES IT EASY
Of course, one person NLX has to check is SMB import AZ Reid, who has been really great of late. He had a nice well-rounded game against GIN and should continue being SMB’s primary threat in this game.
Last game: 27pts, 13rebs, 6asts, 1stl, 4 triples.
- NEAR TRIPLE-DOUBLE
Chris Ross also wowed the fans in SMB’s last game, putting up a near triple-double against GIN. Ross did everything, scoring, rebounding, dishing out assists, and even stealing the ball. If he can approximate that level of production again, SMB should be fine against NLX.
Last game: 19pts, 9rebs, 9asts, 2stls, 2 triples, 6/10 FGs
- EXECUTIVE OF THE BOARD
June Mar Fajardo scored a pedestrian 10 points against GIN, but he more than made up for that by ruling the rebounding department. He hauled 20 big rebounds in that game, helping SMB win the battle of the boards, 57-54. He also outplayed counterpart Greg Slaughter, who had just 6 points and 6 boards.
Last game: 10pts, 20rebs, 1stl, 5/10 FGs
- SMB SPEEDS IT UP!
Aside from controlling the boards, SMB also did well in scoring in transition and off the bench. SMB had 17 fastbreak points to just 8 for GIN, while the SMB bench dropped 32 markers compared to just 20 for the Kings. If SMB can continue speeding the game up and its reserves continue to score well, the Beermen should take this game.
Fastbreak pts: SMB 17, GIN 8
Pts off the bench: SMB 32, GIN 20
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