CONVERGE, EASTERN DISPUTE PBA LEAD IN HECTIC START TO CONFERENCE

CONVERGE and Eastern seek for an early lead in the PBA 49th Season Commissioner’s Cup, while Meralco opens its campaign in the new conference on Friday. Here is a preview of the doubleheader.

PHOENIX VS. MERALCO

When: Friday, November 29. 5 p.m.

Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium

Akl Mitchell looks to also impress in the PBA

Meralco bolstered its roster for the Commissioner’s Cup with Akl Mitchell serving as import. Mitchell made a good impression to Philippine fans when he had 33 points and 22 rebounds in the Bolts’ game against Busan KCC Egis in the EASL. Meralco is definitely hoping that Mitchell’s good play would extend to the PBA.

Playing shorthanded

Meralco is playing shorthanded in its conference opener as the Bolts will be without Allein Maliksi, CJ Cansino, Brandon Bates, Chris Banchero, and Jolo Mendoza.

Phoenix seeks first win

The Fuelmasters will be out to bounce back from their first game where they were defeated by Eastern, 102-87. Donovan Smith and Jason Perkins had 33 and 22 points respectively in the match but had limited support from the other players.

Other keys for Phoenix

The Fuelmasters must lessen their turnovers after committing 23 that resulted in 11 points off turnovers by Eastern.

CONVERGE VS. EASTERN

When: Friday, November 29. 7:30 p.m.

Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium

Going for solo lead

Converge and Eastern are seeking the early lead in the mid-season conference. The FiberXers and the Hong Kong-based team easily won their first assignments: Converge defeated Terrafirma, 116-87, and Eastern won over Phoenix, 102-87, last Wednesday.

Tough schedule for both teams ahead

Converge will be playing its second game of a tough stretch of three matches in five days that will end with a clash against Magnolia on Sunday.

Eastern also has a difficult stretch as the team will fly back to Hong Kong after Friday’s game to play in its domestic league before coming back again to Manila for Wednesday’s meeting against Rain or Shine.

Players to watch

Alec Stockton had a cold shooting game in the win over Terrafirma where he had seven points but shot 3-for-11 from the field. Stockton still had nine rebounds, but was also saddled with four fouls. He will definitely be out to bounce back in the game against Eastern.

Outside of the former Bay Area players with PBA experience, Cheung Yin Lung had a notable performance when he had 11 points on 5-for-7 shooting from the field, while also tallying two rebounds, and three assists in 15 minutes and 59 seconds of action.

2024-11-29T08:05:20Z