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| Glen Rice Jr. and the TNT KaTropa will now try to soar high against no less than the defending champs. (file photo) |
By Ivan Saldajeno
THE other two teams in the PBA Governors' Cup semifinals will take centerstage starting Monday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. Here are some things to consider about this series.
History: This is the second straight time the Barangay and the KaTropa collide in the PBA semis.
Ginebra took a gamble when it fielded in Justin Brownlee, who is its supposed Governors' Cup import (again), for the Commissioner's Cup, and it nearly paid off only that the club bumped to a road block that is Joshua Smith and TNT.
What Now: Out goes the namesake of an NBA star and in comes the son of an NBA legend.
Glen Rice Jr. wrecked havoc as the KaTropa almost sent Barangay down to the twice-to-beat disadvantage after a 121-92 rout on Sept. 23.
[Related Story: TNT claims QF bonus after rout of Ginebra]
Luckily for Ginebra, Star turned back NLEX the night later, so the club to finally got the quarterfinal bonus as the third seed. The team eventually ended up in a colossal quarterfinal date with grand slam-seeking San Miguel.
The Barangay would slam the Beermen's grand slam in just one game.
[Related Story: Ginebra spoils San Miguel's "Slam" bid, cruises to semifinals]
The KaTropa, on the other hand, almost got an early boot in their own quarterfinal meeting against the Rain Or Shine Elasto Painters, but a follow-up by Rice at the death saved them from the upset.
Key Match-up: Justin Brownlee vs. Glen Rice Jr.-Let's state the obvious again. Both Brownlee and Rice are explosive scorers, and they are tasked to once again lead their respective teams.
What puts Brownlee at an advantage is that he has an all-around game and the championship experience.
Disclaimer: The opinions and views of the writer do not reflect those of Dugout Philippines.
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
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