TERRAFIRMA and Converge, two teams that struggled and failed to reach the playoffs of the season-opening PBA Commissioner’s Cup, are out for redemption.
The Dyip and the FiberXers clash in the game kicking off the Philippine Cup on Feb. 28 at 4:30 o’clock at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
The wards of coach Johnedel Cardel wound up with 2-9 slate for 10th in the import-spiced tilt, while Converge finished dead last with a 1-10 record in the 12-team field.
NLEX and NorthPort collide in the nightcap at 7:30 p.m.
San Miguel Beer and Magnolia won’t see action until the third week of the single-round-robin eliminations that will feature stops in various provinces and an inaugural series of playdates at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila.
The second day pits Blackwater against Meralco and TNT against Rain or Shine on March 1 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum that will be followed by an opening weekend bill also at the Big Dome.
It’s NLEX taking on Terrafirma and Converge opposite NorthPort on Saturday then Blackwater against TNT and Rain or Shine facing Meralco on Sunday.
Phoenix Super LPG, coming from a semifinal finish in the Commissioner’s Cup, makes its debut against NorthPort on March 8 also at the Big Dome.
Two nights later at the same venue, the Fuel Masters battle the Ginebra Kings.
The Beermen, now the reigning Philippine Cup and Commissioner’s Cup champions, tangle with the Elasto Painters in their initial outing on March 15 then the Hotshots play their first game against the FiberXers the following day.
The tourney will play games in other traditional playing venues like the PhilSports Arena and Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The Ninoy Aquino Stadium served as a former home of the defunct PABL and also hosted several big international events, including some disciplines in the Southeast Asian Games.
The stadium’s wooden flooring now uses the same hardwood utilized in last year’s FIBA World Cup.