GAMES TODAY
(Ninoy Aquino Stadium)
5 p.m. – Terrafirma vs. Phoenix
7:30 p.m. – Meralco vs. Converge
FOR the first time in franchise history, Meralco launches its campaign with a big bull’s eye target on its back. The rest of the three teams seeing action simply want a fiery start.
Which squads can promptly get the job done will be known as the season-ending PBA Philippine Cup gets going today at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
The Bolts begin their title-retention bid when they take on the Converge FiberXers in the nightcap at 7:30 p.m. after Phoenix collides with a Terrafirma side on its final act in the pro league at 5 o’clock.
Behind the heroics of eventual finals MVP Chris Newsome, the charges of Meralco coach Luigi Trillo stole the thunder from the mighty and favored San Miguel Beermen 4-2 in the Big Dance nearly a year ago.
The Bolts dipped in the last Commissioner’s Cup, losing to the Ginebra Kings in the quarterfinals 1-2.
The likes of Newsome, Bong Quinto, Raymond Almazan, Chris Banchero, Aaron Black, and Cliff Hodge will be counted upon anew by Meralco.
Ditto with Converge, which advanced to the Last Eight, only to fall to Rain or Shine also in three matches.
The FiberXers will bank on Alec Stockton, Justine Arana, Justin Baltazar, Schonny Winston, along with new additions Rey Suerte and Jackson Corpuz.
The Fuel Masters struggled with a 3-9 slate for 12th last conference.
“If you look at it, we haven’t won an opening game in the past conferences,” Phoenix tactician Jamike Jarin said. “So, that’s the immediate target right now, to win the first game of the conference.
“If we look at it, it’s been a disastrous first two conferences for us this season. We can give all the excuses in the world, with the imports and everything but we have to take full responsibility for that,” he added.
The Fuel Masters are expected to draw strength from Jason Perkins, Ricci Rivero, Tyler Tio, and veterans RJ Jazul and RR Garcia.
The Dyip, who also groped for form and wound dead-last with a 1-11 record in the last import-spiced meet, are set to sell their ball club to Star Horse Shipping Lines after the tilt that explains why Jarin told his wards to be on their toes.
“The good thing about it is, we’re playing the first game. First day, first game so it’s time for us,” he said. “I’m sure Terrafirma will be coming in also with the same attitude, at least to get the first game.
“We were down at the past two conferences so nowhere to go but rise. We’re very excited. We just have to get things done and play selfless basketball.”
A brand-new tourney with fresh but the same hopes for all the combatants—to reach the Promised Land.
