Photo by Nuki Sabio/PBA Images

2013 PBA Commissioner's Cup

Air21 Express (1-5) vs GlobalPort Batang Pier (2-5)

When they last met… The Air21 Express cruised to an 88-81 victory against PBA newcomer GlobalPort Batang Pier in their last meeting in the last Philippine Cup. Sweet-shooting John Wilson topscored for the Express as the former JRU standout finished the game with a team-high 17 points to go along with four rebounds and four assists.

Why this game is important…

For both squads: Both teams are reeling from four straight defeats and have crashed down the cellar of the PBA standings. With their respective skids, the Express and the Batang Pier are hard-pressed to win their remaining games to make serious bids for the playoffs. GlobalPort did the more drastic move, handing the pink slip to import Justin Williams and flying in former Detroit Piston Walter Sharpe.

X-factor

For Air21: Mike Cortez. See how the Express wilted in their hear-breaking loss against Meralco the last time around? Air21 needs a court general who can provide not only pile up points and issue assists but the much-need leadership when the going gets tough. Will the former La Salle star rise to the challenge on Sunday’s game? We will see.

For GlobalPort: Walter Sharpe. The Batang Pier parades a new reinforcement in Sharpe and his presence should be felt right away in his first game on Philippine soil. If he immediately makes an impact---on both offense and defense, the Express look headed for a victory.

And the winner is… Air21 is a pretty good team with a prolific import in Michael Dunigan (who dropped a 40-point, 16-rebound performance in a losing effort against Merlaco) and good local crew.

Except for turnovers.

GlobalPort isn’t a bad team either with their MMDA (Mercado, Miller, David and Aguilar).

Except for chemistry woes.

In a battle of two teams desperate to end their losing skids, GlobalPort’s deeper line-up and the fierce foursome combination of Mercado, Miller, David and Aguilar will spell the difference against the turnover-plagued Express. GlobalPort.

San Mig Coffee Mixers (3-3) vs Barangay Ginebra San Miguel (1-5)

When they last met… The San Mig Coffee Mixers manhandled the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in their last Philippine Cup encounter, 78-68, as lefty Joe Devance took charge for the Mixers. Devance came away with 18 points to lead the Mixers’ dominating triumph over their sister-team, BGSM.

Reigning MVP Mark Caguioa carried the fight for the Gin Kings, tallying 22 points but did not get ample help from his teammates.

Why this game is important…

For San Mig Coffee: The defending Commissioner’s Cup champions seek their fourth consecutive win after a slow start. A win by SMC over Barangay Ginebra in the 2013 edition of ‘Manila Clasico’ will also be a good follow up to its last win, against league-leader Alaska.

For Barangay Ginebra San Miguel: This campaign has been scary for the crowd darlings, only being able to win once in its last six games. A win is what's needed to resuscitate their sagging campaign and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel has no choice but to do it against their sister team.

X-factor

For San Mig Coffee: Mark Barroca. “Coffee Prince” is no doubt the number one point guard of this team. When the former FEU playmaker provides additional scoring outside that of James Yap, Denzel Bowles, PJ Simon and Joe Devance, assists and leadership, the Mixers look unbeatable.

For BGSM: Kerby Raymundo. There was a time when Kerby Raymundo was one of the elite big men in the league--- when he was still in Purefoods (now SMC). A rather forgettable Philippine Cup is now a thing of the past and with a new coach, the former Letran Knight must help Mark Caguioa, LA Tenorio and energetic import Vernon Macklin in pouring the points, the rebounds and the inspiration to win.

And the winner is… Situations like this only make Ginebra never-say-die. The Mixers are on a roll right now, thanks to Bowles. But the Gin Kings will play with a sense of urgency, a lot of heart and desire to win as Sunday’s game is a virtual do-or-die for them. Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. - Rappler.com