The PBA Commissioner’s Cup continues today with another twin bill at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium featuring the Blackwater Bossing, Titan Ultra Giant Risers, San Miguel Beermen, and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. This double-header will see bottom-dwellers going at it, and contenders facing off, so let’s check out the storylines to keep an eye on:
1. Can Robert Upshaw III Bounce Back?
After a rousing Commissioner’s Cup debut that saw the hulking Upshaw lead Blackwater to an upset over the Magnolia Hotshots, he was cut down to size by the running and gunning Elasto Painters. He’ll next be facing a less talented but equally fast-paced squad in Titan Ultra, but has had a week or so to get in better shape and figure things out. Can he bounce back big time?
2. Can Other Giant Risers Step Up?
In Titan Ultra’s lone win in this Commissioner’s Cup, several Giant Risers played well to complement the prolific twosome of Michael Gilmore and Joshua Munzon. That’s the same kind of support Titan will need if it is to get win no. 2 against fellow bottom-dweller Blackwater. Cade Flores has been the third-best Giant Riser so far, so keep an eye on him. Bryan Sajonia, meanwhile, has shown he can be electric, so he’s someone to watch, too.
3. Can Rain or Shine Bring Down Another Contender?
Rain or Shine sits alone atop the Commissioner’s Cup standings and has already beaten contenders Meralco Bolts and TNT Tropang 5G. Now, they are facing another in the San Miguel Beermen, who have won the championship in the last two conferences. Curiously, the Elasto Painters have shown they can beat the Beermen, at least in the eliminations. With a terrific import in Jaylen Johnson, and a deep, talented team, it looks like Rain or Shine is ready to bring down another contender.
4. Can San Miguel Remain Unbeaten with Justin Patton?
San Miguel is 2-0 with Justin Patton, with a rout of the Macau Black Knights and a come-from-behind escape act against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. Patton has acquitted himself nicely in both games and has gotten plenty of support from reigning PBA Player of the Week Cjay Perez. All in all, the Beermen seem to be getting into a rhythm, and they will be up for another acid test against Rain or Shine.
PBA Commissioner’s Cup Action
Today’s Commissioner’s Cup double-header will be played at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. The first game will see Blackwater taking on Titan Ultra, with the winner notching its second win of the conference. Following that game is the showdown between San Miguel and Rain or Shine, with the former looking to move up the standings, and the latter aiming to stay on top
