TWO teams want to earn a piece of the early tournament lead, while two others aim to barge into the winning column as the action continues in the 2017-18 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup.
This time, the scene shifts to Antipolo City as an expected barn-burner takes place with defending champion San Miguel Beer and Meralco, both at 1-0, colliding at 7 p.m. at the Ynares Center.
Three hours prior, two teams in search of their first win battle each other as Phoenix and Kia, both 0-1, square off at 4:15 p.m. in the appetizer.
Following their rousing debuts, the Beermen and the Bolts are now both eyeing win no. 2 as they want to remain unscathed.
However, both of them can expect a tough battle ahead.
For its part, San Miguel wants a revenge against Meralco, whose last victory over the Beermen in the previous Governors’ Cup in the final day of the elimination round eventually derailed coach Leo Austria’s team’s Grandslam hopes.
The Beermen haven’t forgotten and they know exactly what to expect from the Bolts.
“Meralco is always tough to play. We remember what happened last conference when they beat us and caused us problems,” said Austria. “We hope to get one back against them.”
San Miguel Beer blasted Phoenix, 104-96, in the opening game of the season more than a week ago, while Meralco debuted with a 103-98 win over Blackwater last Friday.
The Fuel Masters and the Picanto both performed fairly in their debut games but fell short to list victories.
While Phoenix bowed to the Beermen, Kia gallantly fought before being dropped NLEX, 119-115, last week in its initial assignment.