The flagship teams of the two of the biggest conglomerates in the PBA rekindle their rivalry as TNT and San Miguel Beer collide in the 2023 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo on Sunday, Dec. 17.

The Tropang Giga and the Beermen, both with similar 4-3 records in the middle of the standings, aim to break the deadlock and strengthen their case for a spot not only in the playoffs but also for the Top 4 seats at the end of the 6:15 p.m. affair.

Serving as a fitting appetizer to the mouth-watering collision is the match between Converge and Meralco in the first offering at 3 p.m.

The FiberXers are looking to breathe more life to their playoff hopes while the Bolts hope to carry the momentum from their breakthrough win in the East Asia Super League over to their PBA campaign.

Import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is looking to lead TNT in sweeping its grueling three games in five days schedule and there’s no sweeter way to cap it off with a big win over archrival SMB.

Local stars Calvin Oftana and Jayson Castro are also expected to star for the Tropang Giga who are aiming to build momentum heading into their home stand in the EASL on Wednesday and the Christmas Day clash  and Governors’ Cup Finals rematch with Ginebra on Dec. 25.

The Beermen though, fresh off a morale-boosting 95-82 win over the Kings, should also have enough confidence ahead of another big game. 

Much of the new-found grit came with the addition of new Beerman Don Trollano who was solid in his debut with 18 points. On top of that Terrence Romeo also made his return after dealing with a knee injury while Chris Ross and Jericho also both broke out of shooting slump in the win against Ginebra.

SMB, however, will still need more from import Ivan Aska especially in holding the fort for the Beermen along with Mo Tautuaa especially with the continued absence of big men June Mar Fajardo and Vic Manuel due to respective injuries.