I know that it is quite tiring to see the semifinals filled again with San Miguel Corporation teams. Nonetheless, the cream of the crop should be the one battling it out for the title.
So, I am actually excited to see two of the top performing squads in the elimination, It is just better that they are part of the most popular rivalry in the PBA.
X Factors
Three-pointers made
Points in the Paint
Jamie Malonzo
Both Ginebra and Magnolia are very good defensive teams. So, do not expect high-scoring games. What you can expect is a grind-out games with superb tactical adjustments between the two teams.
Malonzo is the most intriguing player for me because he has the same size as Brownlee and plays the same versatile forward position. What is interesting is the reality that Magnolia is not actually use to playing their versatile forwards that long.
So, what I am expecting is to see bigs to handle Jamie. And if that is the case, he will have the athleticism advantage. If he can take advantage of that, Ginebra will be having a good advantage.
Both squads are not modern. They are not crazy about three-point shooting. In their elimination game, Ginebra hit less three-pointers and still won the game. But in a series, the more efficient squad will have a much easier time in their offense.
Lastly, it was the points in the paint that killed Magnolia in their elimination round game. That will be a battle field again.
PREDICTION
This one is harder to predict than the Bay Area versus San Miguel match-up. Talent wise, Ginebra has the clear advantage but Magnolia is the more cohesive unit. The X-Factors though are telling me that it will be Ginebra. I expect it to reach game 5 with Ginebra ending up with the series win.
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