Magnolia and Meralco put their unbeaten slate on the line as they take on their respective rivals in the resumption of Season 46 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup after more than a month of delay at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Hotshots, ahead with 3-0 win-loss start, are hoping to keep their competitiveness against TNT Tropang Giga (2-2) at 6 p.m. while the Bolts are also in a mission to sustain their back-to-back victories when they face Northern Luzon Expressway (NLEX) at 3 p.m.
“We are really on a mission,” Magnolia Head Coach Chito Victolero said after beating Barangay Ginebra last December 25 (117-94) just a week after the games were suspended indefinitely due to the rising Covid-19 case in Metro Manila.
Magnolia’s newest recruit Adrian Wong and returning Rafi Reavis will also be playing.
Import Mike Harris, prior to the break, is averaging 28.3 points, 12 rebounds and 3.0 assists, for the Hotshots after three games.
TNT, at 2-2, will be parading new recruit Mat Ganuelas-Rosser and import Aaron Fuller.
The showdown between Magnolia and TNT could be most likely a rematch of their last Philippine Cup title last year, where the Tropang Giga won in five games series.
Coach Norman Black said the debut of Chris Banchero would have to wait a little time because he’s under the health protocols.
But import Tony Bishop and the rest of the Bolts are ready.
“Playing against a Yeng Guiao coached team is always tough because you know they will play hard. It’s important that we slow down their import McDaniels, and we close out well vs their 3pt shooters. We once again will have to rely on our defense to get a win,” Black said. Josef Ramos
NLEX activated Mike Nieto from the men’s basketball national pool, but Road Warriors coach Yeng Guiao expects Meralco a tough nut to crack.
“We are looking forward to tough battles, starting with Meralco. Their import will be a tough match-up as well as their rotation,”said Guiao, who will be leaning heavily on import KJ McDaniels.