NorthPort goes for a share of the early lead while Meralco makes its debut as they face separate opponents Saturday, June 11 in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
The Batang Pier face the Terrafirma Dyip in what could be an intriguing battle at 5:15 p.m. before the Bolts look to build on their consistent showing from Season 46 in their 7:15 p.m. match with the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters.
Almost everyone did their share two days ago when NorthPort opened the campaign in the season-opening conference with a 84-71 victory over Rain or Shine.
Jamie Malonzo led the way for the Batang Pier with 18 points and 15 rebounds while Robert Bolick dropped 22 points during the wire-to-wire encounter.
Coach Pido Jarencio is hoping that the win would be a good sign as NorthPort tries to improve on its contrasting showing in the two conferences held last season, making the quarters of the Philippine Cup and missing the playoffs of the Governors’ Cup.
Malonzo will likely be tasked anew to fill some of the shoes left by Greg Slaughter with contract talks remain at a standstill.
Terrafirma is smarting from a 105-102 loss to NLEX last Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Dyip wasted a 16-point halftime lead as they allowed the Road Warriors to orchestrate a big second half rally.
In the second game, Meralco launches its drive to finally win a title after falling short both times last season.
The Bolts made it to the Philippine Cup semis only to lose to the Magnolia Hotshots before being handed another finals setback by Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the Governors’ Cup.
Phoenix lost to SMB, 108-100, last Wednesday despite impressive efforts from rookies Tyler Tio and Encho Serrano.