TERRAFIRMA and Converge open their respective bids in the season-ending tilt with the same mindset–start strong.
Which team will realize its initial goal will be known when the Dyip battle the FiberXers today in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The curtain-raiser is set at 4:30 p.m., with the combatants raring to gain a fast start in their campaign in the import-less tourney.
NorthPort clashes with NLEX in the nightcap at 7:30.

Dyip coach Johnedel Cardel is counting on his troops’ early preparations that began last January to boost their drive after winding up eighth in the 12-team field with a 2-9 record in the last Commissioner’s Cup.
“Early kaming bumalik sa ensayo. Workout and skills ang inuna namin–conditioning para maging more prepared kami sa physical game,” Cardel said. “Alam naming dadalhin hindi lang ng Converge kundi pati na rin ng rest of the field.
“Maganda naman ang ine-ensayo ng team and tingin ko ready naman mga bata,” he added.
Terrafirma will field a short-handed line-up–big man Kenmark Carino is out due to a pulled muscle, while forward Andreas Cahilig remains doubtful as he is to be with his wife who recently gave birth.
The likes of Juami Tiongson, Isaac Go, Aldrech Ramos, Eric Camson, and Louie Sangalang will be counted upon by the Dyip to deliver.
Converge is reeling from a disappointing last-place finish in the season-opening conference with a 1-10 slate.
FiberXers’ strategist Aldin Ayo will pin his hopes on rising star Justin Arana, Alec Stockton, Aljun Melecio, Jerrick Balanza, and Schonny Winston.
Cardel said Terrafirma’s defensive game will spell the big difference.
“Depensa naman ang pinaka-key against Converge and hopefully ma-implement namin,” he said. “Sana makuha para pagdating ng Sunday (against NLEX) mataas lalo ang kompiyansa.”
Batang Pier first-round pick Zavie Lucero is set to make his Northport debut–finally after an ACL injury he suffered more than a year ago.
Lucero, tabbed No. 5 overall in the last rookie draft, has been activated by the Batang Pier for their duel with the Road Warriors.
NorthPort tactician Bonnie Tan said the former University of the Philippines standout started practicing with the team since last Monday after arriving from the United States last week.
The 6-foot-6 Lucero, a former UAAP Mythical Team member, went to the US and underwent operation and rehabilitation, missing the draft last September.
But despite his health situation, Northport management signed him to a two-year contract.
Also expected to finally suit up for the Batang Pier is another ACL casualty in William Navarro.
A former Ateneo cager, Navarro went down with the injury at about the same time as Lucero in Game 2 of last year’s Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals series against Ginebra.
Navarro was cleared to play by doctors and has been showing up in practice.