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Friday, March 29, 2024

Bolts eye 3rd straight win

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THREE undefeated teams aim to keep their records unblemished, while another one makes its franchise debut as the 2016 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup resumes today.

Early leader Meralco (2-0) guns for a third straight victory as it looks to keep its spot ahead of the pack, but it faces a stiff challenge against Rain or Shine (1-0) when they go at it at 7 p.m. in the main event at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Three hours earlier, NLEX (1-0) welcomes league newcomer Phoenix Petroleum, formerly Barako Bull, to the PBA in their 4:15 p.m. collision.

Tanduay’s Sandy Cenal tries to outwit three AMA Online defenders, led by Rashawn McCarthy and Jovit dela Cruz in a PBA D-League Aspirant’s Cup game won by the Rhum Masters, 92-83, at The Arena in San Juan. 

Phoenix bought the Barako Bull franchise in between the first two conferences and will be using the moniker Fuel Masters.

Following a disappointing Philippine Cup campaign, where they finished dead last and only won a single game, the Bolts look like they are finally starting to get their bearings going this season.

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Meralco won its first two assignments to show that it has improved. The last of those two quick wins came at the expense of sister team Talk ‘N Text, 88-84, last Saturday as the Bolts capitalized on the ejection of Texters’ temperamental import Ivan Johnson.

Bolts’ coach Norman Black feels like his squad is in a much better shape in its campaign for this import-laden conference.

“I think we’re in better physical condition this conference and we’re also keeping our composure,’’ said Black. ‘’We just need to keep on improving on our spacing and our shot selections even more.’’

Rain or Shine also had its own fine start.

The Elasto Painters knocked down rival and fellow powerhouse Star, 95-86, also last Saturday.

However, Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao wasn’t completely pleased with his team just yet.

‘’Our last game wasn’t as smooth as we wanted it to be,’’ he said. ‘’Marami pa kaming dapat i-improve kasi hindi pa namin nakukuha ‘yung larong gusto namin.’’

Meanwhile, Talk ‘N Text import Ivan Johnson came to the PBA Office in Libis yesterday to personally apologize to league Commissioner Chito Narvasa for uttering choice words against the PBA official last Saturday. His outburst got the import immediately banned in the league.

Narvasa accepted the apology and issued a statement regarding the matter.

“Ivan (Johnson) came here on his own. I understand him. I don’t think it’s intentional. I don’t think it’s personal,” said Narvasa, who have been criticized for handing out an immediate decision on the matter without due process and evaluation.

The rookie commissioner then said that he will come up with a decision as soon as he can regarding Johnson’s future in the PBA, leaving a possibility that he might reverse his initial sanction.

Games Today 

(Smar Araneta Coliseum)

4:15 p.m. – NLEX vs. Phonix Petroleum

7 p.m. – Meralco vs. 

Rain or Shine

 

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