(c) PBA Media Bureau
The quarterfinals of the 2018 Governors' Cup will begin tomorrow. Ginebra managed to grab the top seed even with a lot of injuries during the elimination round. NLEX was a surprised early on and they will have the first crack to stop Ginebra from completing a three-peat.
On the other hand, Magnolia and Blackwater were consistent all throughout the conference. Unfortunately, Elite still ended up with a twice-to-beat disadvantage.
Can the two most popular team in the league finish the jobs, right away? Let us see.
BGSM VS NLEX
Key Stats: 2FG%
Key Match-up: Brownlee VS Fuller
Ginebra has one big weakness that no team succeeded to fully take advantage for the past two Governors' Cup. Ginebra lacks shooters. Do not be deceived by the name of Jeff Chan because of his numbers in the past few years were not painting an elite shooter but a below average one.
So, what can NLEX do? Pack the paint and push down the 55% 2FG%, best in the league, of Ginebra. Especially with the size advantage of Ginebra, they may need to let Ginebra beat them from the outside.
Fuller is the equalizer for NLEX. He can hit all kind of inside shots. He can push himself for a lay-in. He has graceful hook shoots and he can hit short jumpers. On the other hand, Brownlee has proven that he can win a playoff series, by himself.
Prediction
I will go with Ginebra. The way they dismantled TNT yesterday was awe-spiring. The players are all in their proper mindset and they are ready to dominate these playoffs.
MAG VS BWE
Key Stats: Turnovers
Key Match-up: Sangalang VS Erram
Magnolia has a god-like ability in this conference. They led the league in steals with 11.0 per game. That is 1.9 higher than the next one. That has led them to be the best in scoring off opponents' turnovers with 23.1 per game. That is 3 points better than the next one.
Blackwater witnessed that in the elimination round when Magnolia scored 27 points from their turnovers.
Blackwater cannot let that happen again. Of course, Blackwater should not be over cautious that it will already affect their usual flow.
The match-up that will swing this game will be the offense of Sangalang against the defense of Erram. Erram is the most destructive rim protector in the league. If he is in the zone, even imports have a hard time against him.
Sangalang is a superb scoring center. He can score in the post, even against imports. If he is in the groove, Erram will have a hard time protecting the rim because of the pressure of Sangalang's scoring.
In short, this match-up has the potential to decide the winner.
Prediction
I think Blackwater is driven. They are much hungrier and in terms of roster-built, they may have a more talented team inside the court for the majority of the game.
So, I will go with the Elite. I can see Erram finally proving that he deserves some recognition and the guards of the Elite, having a respectable game in keeping the ball safe.
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