Manila Matico

If the Ginebra-Magnolia duel is called Manila Clasico, the battle between the PBA’s hottest teams Phoenix and Converge at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tonight could be appropriately dubbed Manila Matico. The Super LPG Fuel Masters and FiberXers collide at 3 this afternoon with the loser snapping a five-game winning streak. They’re both checking in with five wins in a row so the showdown features one of the most-awaited gunfights since the OK Corral.

Why Matico? Phoenix and Converge are led by imports who know how to win. They’re automatic machines. Converge’s Quincy Miller is averaging 30.3 points (third highest among imports), 15.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 38.3 minutes, shooting 38.1 percent from beyond the arc and 77.6 percent from the line. Phoenix’ Kaleb Wesson is averaging 20.6 points, 18 rebounds (first among imports), 3.8 assists and 42.4 minutes, hitting 30.8 percent from three and 76.5 percent from the stripe.

Converge is No. 1 in rebounding, No. 2 in offense, No. 2 in three-point percentage (14 makes a game), No. 2 in steals, No. 2 in fastbreak points and No. 3 in turnover points. Phoenix is No. 1 in defense, No. 1 in steals, No. 1 in opponents’ fouls and No. 2 in turnover points. The drawbacks are Converge is No. 3 in most fastbreak points allowed and Phoenix is No. 1 in most turnovers. The stats indicate that Converge is a high-octane offensive team while Phoenix thrives in defense. In the Fuel Masters last three contests, they held opponents to a stingy average of 84.7 points while five players scored in double figures (Wesson 20.8, Encho Serrano 16.2, Javee Mocon 14.2, Tyler Tio 13.6 and RJ Jazul 11.8). In the FiberXers last five outings, they hit at a 105.4 clip with Miller averaging 25.6 points, Aljun Melecio 14.6 and Jeron Teng 13.6.

Converge coach Aldin Ayo likes to go full throttle from the start and that’s why 10 players are logging at least 15 minutes a game, compared to six for Phoenix. The deep rotation allows for a balanced offense with five FiberXers averaging in twin digits, compared to four for Phoenix. Both teams rely less on individual one-on-one skills than team play. They’re registering almost identical average assists with Phoenix at 22.8 and Converge, 22.4 – which makes for an even more exciting clash because there’s hardly a dull moment when the ball is moving quickly from one hand to another in locating the open man.

Miller and Wesson aren’t likely to match up unless absolutely necessary like when one is on a sizzling binge and it’s winning time in the homestretch. Phoenix coach Topex Robinson usually starts Simon Camacho to defend the opposing import, a role that Ayo designates to Justin Arana. Another interesting point is the teams are the youngest in the league. Phoenix’ average age is 26.9 and Converge, 27. The oldest FiberXers are Maverick Ahanmisi and Kevin Racal, both 31 while the youngest is Arana, 23. The oldest Fuel Masters are Sean Anthony and Jazul, both 36 and the youngest are Serrano and Wesson, both 23. Expect a slam-bang affair in the Manila Matico.