PBA Prediction: San Miguel VS Blackwater, Converge VS TNT

San Miguel and TNT will try to punch their tickets to the semifinals against Blackwater and Converge, respectively.

SMB VS BWE

X-FACTORS
Assists
Bench points
Ato Ular

I am actually excited to see this match-up because these two teams are top 3 in terms of assists. They are actually reliant on it which make both squads a good watch. Although, Blackwater will be missing a big piece in Yousef Taha.

San Miguel is still the deeper team and with that, bench will be a crucial factor in this series. It is hard to see Blackwater matching up with the firepower of the bench of San Miguel.

But, they have Ular who can erupt for a 30 points game. If Ular' shooting is working, it will open up the offense of Blackwater.

PREDICTION
This should be an entertaining game to witness but I do not think Blackwater has enough bullets to overcome the talent of San Miguel.

CONVERGE VS TNT

X-FACTORS
Three-point shooting
Rebounding
JP Erram

TNT is one of the best three-point shooting team in the league while Converge is one of the worst. I do not think Converge stands a chance if they cannot increase their output from beyond the arc or limit TNT.

Rebounding was a big factor in their elimination game as TNT dominated  them. The young frontline of Converge cannot let that happen again.

And speaking of frontline, Erram will be there to take advantage of the young age of the frontline of Converge, on both ends of the court.

PREDICTION
I do not think there is a good path for Converge to accomplish an upset. Skill-wise, Converge is really lacking credible shooters and it is hard to trust their young frontline.