(c) PBA Media Bureau
What a coincidence that the two squads who received a lot of troubles and complications all throughout the conference will battle it out in the quarterfinals.
Will we see Calvin Abueva play for Alaska? Will Magnolia have enough cohesion and chemistry to win back-to-back games against Alaska?
X-FACTORS
Rebounding
Steals
Diamond Simpson
Is Calvin Abueva the biggest question mark for Alaska in their game against Magnolia? No. The biggest question mark is Diamond Simpson who replaced an elite import who fit them flawlessly in Campbell.
There is a big gap between the average rebounds of the two squads. 4.7 boards will go a long way in determining the winner of a close match.
And steals? Magnolia has the top two thieves in this conference. If Jio Jalalon and Mark Barroca succeed in making havoc in defense, Alaska will be in a big trouble.
PREDICTION
This is the match-up that I am most excited about because of a lot of question marks. Alaska outrebounded Magnolia by 10 in their elimination match-up and I expected that to repeat.
I think, Magnolia will try to play fast to challenge the chemistry issues of Alaska who has a new import and returning Jeron Teng.
Fortunately for Simpson, he will not face a big body import in this game, which should help him maximize himself on offense and help out Alaska to guarantee a semifinals spot.
PREDICTION LOG: (1 Correct, 1 Mistake)
QF Game 1 TNT vs SMB: SMB Wins
QF Game 1 MER vs BGSM: MER Wins
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