NLEX, Meralco and NorthPort are all looking to notch a second straight win as they all eye a piece of the early lead in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup.
The Road Warriors and the Bolts, both 1-0, collide in a battle of siblings at 4:30 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum today.
Succeeding that will be the Batang Pier (1-0) against Magnolia (0-1) at 7 p.m.
With the returning Kiefer Ravena back in the fray, NLEX was off to a hot start after taking a 123-116 victory over Phoenix in its opener last weekend.
Ravena announced his return from an 18-month suspension by flirting with a triple-double of 20 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in a rousing performance.
NLEX coach Yeng Guiao believes that Ravena’s best form is still ahead of him.
“Kiefer (Ravena) is even going to get better and help us more,” said Guiao of his star guard. “This is still not the best of Kiefer.”
Ravena and the Road Warriors face a daunting task of containing former Best import Allen Durham and the Bolts, who smothered the defending champion Hotshots, 98-92, last Saturday for a successful debut as well.
“We got a good start to the conference by taking a satisfying win against the defending champions,” said Meralco coach Norman Black. “Continuity in our good defensive start is what we need now.”
The Batang Pier opened up their campaign with a 99-94 win over Rain or Shine in the initial playdate of the conference last week and is looking for a follow-up.
On the other hand, Magnolia hopes it can find its championship form against NorthPort as it looks to break into the winning column.