GLOBALPORT tries to stretch its unbeaten start to three games against winless Alaska in the 2017 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Batang Pier, the solo leader with a 2-0 win-loss record, and the 0-2 Aces clash at 4:15 p.m., followed by the match between Star, also winless at 0-2, and NLEX (1-1) at 7 p.m.
GlobalPort had a sizzling start under new coach Franz Pumaren. It won its first two games, the last a 91-84 win against Star.
“We’re putting emphasis on team defense. Everybody’s embracing their respective roles,” said Pumaren, the team’s consultant last season but was elevated as coach after completing his duties with Adamson University in the collegiate league.
Stanley Pringle and Terrence Romeo remained Batang Pier’s 1-2 punch, but the addition of Nino Canaleta, Mick Pennisi, JR Quiñahan and Aaron Aban is giving GlobalPort more spunk in defense.
The Batang Pier will be facing an undermanned Alaska. Calvin Abueva, Sonny Thoss and Noy Baclao are again doubtful starters for Head Coach Alex Compton because of injuries, while Vic Manuel and Ping Exciminiano are expected to be back.
Manuel and Exciminiano were suspended one game each by management for playing in a forbidden league. They sat out the team’s 88-93 loss to defending champion San Miguel Beer.
Head Coach Chito Victolero, meanwhile, continues to catch his first win in the PBA as the Hotshots battle the Road Warriors.
Victolero dropped his first two assignments since assuming the post, while NLEX’s Yeng Guiao split his first two games.
Guiao debuted for the Road Warriors with a 99-97 squeaker over Alaska but dropped a 93-106 decision to sister team Meralco. NLEX center Enrico Villanueva was declared out of the Philippine Cup because of an MCL tear on his left knee.