2017 Com. Cup Semis - SMB-STAR Game 1: The Rulers!

(c) PBA Media Bureau
The Star Hotshots will try to exorcise their demon, the San Miguel Beermen, when they meet in the semifinals of the 2017 Commissioner's Cup. Star have failed to defeat the Beermen this season.

Ricardo Ratliffe is standing out as the best import of this conference, while Beermen remains to have the most firepower out of all the line-ups.

Before we go to the prediction proper, let us check first the accuracy of my "Deciding Factors" in my last game predictions.

Ginebra-Globalport - Quarterfinals (96-85)
Deciding Factors (BGSM-GBP):
1. Fastbreak Points (8 points versus 5 points)
2. Turnover Points (6 points versus 26 points)
3. Justin Harper (29 points, 15 rebounds)
Verdict: Inaccurate

San Miguel-Phoenix - Quarterfinals (115-96)
Deciding Factors (SMB-PHX)

1. June Mar Fajardo (15 points, 8 rebounds)
2. Rebounding (49 rebounds vs 40 rebounds)
3. Cyrus Baguio (7 points, 4 rebounds)
Verdict: Accurate




Deciding Factors
1. Chris Ross
2. Rebounding
3. Bench Points

The Beermen is standing head and shoulder over the other teams, in terms of offense. They scored 108.5 points per game, 3.2 points better than the next one. They are also the most efficient team with 47.3%. The shocking thing is, Chris Ross is the reason behind. He is averaging 7.5 assists per game, #1 in the league, and the 2nd best Offensive Rating, 119.2, in their team. 

Rebounding will be crucial for this game. Star and San Miguel averaged 49.8 and 49.2 rebounds per game, respectively. Yes, Star is rebounding more but the advantage is less than 1 rebound. What makes this crucial is the fact that Star and San Miguel forces the 2nd and 5th least number of rebounds per game.

Controlling the board is a crucial thing for both team. So, expect a fantastic pushing and shoving matches, inside.

Prediction
For game 1, I expect San Miguel to win it. I don't think Star can find a cure for Chris Ross, right away. San Miguel's size should overwhelm Star and that will help them get more loose balls. 

Comments