THE “Manila Clasico” returns on Christmas Day at the Smart Araneta Coliseum with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel clashing with Magnolia in what could go down as the most-watched Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) showdown during the Covid-19 pandemic.
There were no fans when the last “Clasico” was played last July 25 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City with Magnolia beating Ginebra, 89-70, behind Paul Lee’s 22 points.
Starting at 6:45 p.m. at the Big Dome, the Gin Kings and Hotshots clash anew before their screaming fans—although the league continues to limit live attendance in the Governors’ Cup to a maximum of 4,000 fully-vaccinated fans.
“It’s all about getting back to normal and giving the fans a very memorable game on Christmas Day,” Ginebra Head Coach Tim Cone said. “It’s an honor to be chosen in a Christmas Day game and we’re very super motivated with each other on Christmas Day.”
“Magnolia is really tough, they are playing in a very high level game—and the Manila Clasico is always a battle,” Cone said. “It’s always a little tougher focusing during the holidays, but our guys are doing their best to do so.”
Magnolia Head Coach Chito Victolero and his Bolts doesn’t want pressure weigh them down.
“It’s just another game but the crowd will be a huge factor,” Victolero said. “We just want to prepare against Ginebra just like the other games.”
Victolero added: “I don’t need to motivate my players in this kind of game. The hype and the fans are motivating my players already. I am hoping we can execute to give the fans a great Christmas gift.”
Ginebra has won 10 of 11 games it played on Christmas Day while Magnolia is 1-5. Head-to-head, the Gin Kings are 4-0 over the Hotshots. But records, Cone said, doesn’t make his Gin Kings invulnerable.
Magnolia, he stressed is a cohesive team that loves a fast-paced game, qualities that gave them a 2-0 start in the Governors’ Cup.
Cone and the Gin Kings, on the other hand, are 3-0 won-lost to shadow the front-running NLEX Road Warriors (4-0), who take on the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters (2-2) in the first game at 4 p.m.
The Gin Kings, however, will be playing without Stanley Pringle who’s having left knee issues.
“We know how tough Magnolia is so we’re going to have to be at our best,” Cone said.
Victolero said they’re not taking any chances and are going to the gym on Friday.
“It’s a big game for both teams because the crowd is back,” Vitolero said. “Everybody is excited about the ‘Manila Clasico.”
The two-day PBA Christmas special on Christmas Day and Sunday is aptly called “Season of Joy” with the league celebrating the holidays with a live audience at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Quezon City Mayor’s Office has partnered with the PBA in the special presentation, with Belmonte throwing support in the event that serves as part of her “Pamaskong Handog” to her constituents.
“These are all about giving back and of expressing the league’s deep gratitude,” PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said. “Mayor Belmonte gave consent to the opening of the Smart Araneta Coliseum to our dear fans. And now, she’s with us with her support for our Christmas special. Our deep gratitude to her.”
On Sunday, it’s San Miguel Beer versus Terrafirma at 4 p.m. and TNT Tropang Giga opposite Rain or Shine at 6:45 p.m.
Complimentary tickets will be distributed to Quezon City residents by the Office of the Mayor.