Meralco seeks solo lead in the standings against Converge while Magnolia and NorthPort break deadlock in the Group A doubleheader action on Wednesday, Sept. 4, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Bolts (3-1) hope to close out the first round of the Group A eliminations atop the standings against the FiberXers (2-2) who, on the other hand, are also looking to wrap up their first five assignments with a win in the 5 p.m. affair.

Following suit is another crucial match-up at 7:30 p.m. between the Batang Pier and the Hotshots, both sporting 2-2 slates and aiming for a spot in the upper half of the Group A standings before teams go for another round of games.

Meralco seemed to be finally finding its groove following back-to-back wins over Terrafirma and NorthPort. Allen Durham is also looking like his old, dominant self after dropping a near triple-double of 34 points, 16 rebounds and nine assists.

The Bolts also continue to plod on despite their injuries to key players with both Allein Maliksi and Aaron Black set to go under the knife and would miss a couple of more games. 

Raymond Almazan also had a setback to his return after over extending his knee in practice as he also joins Raymar Jose on the sickbay.

Good thing, though, Chris Newsome, managed to play through an ankle injury and contributed eight points in his return to provide support to Bong Quinto and Chris Banchero.

After playing every other day last week, Converge is coming into the contest with valuable rest, especially with big man Justin Arana also hurting his ankle in their last game against the Batang Pier.

Import Scotty Hopson is expected to once again play as the focal point of the FiberXers offense after dropping 24 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists along with able contributors in Alec Stockton, Kevin Racal and even veteran Alex Cabagnot.

Meanwhile in the second game, Magnolia aims to further move up the standings after a rough start to its campaign.

Jerrick Ahanmisi is slowly emerging as a new potent weapon for the Hotshots largely due to his ability to convert from the four-point arc in high volumes, evident when he fired four during their 124-103 victory over Terrafirma.

Arvin Tolentino, meanwhile, hopes to lead NorthPort to a bounce-back win especially with import Venky Jois still questionable to the contest after sustaining an ankle injury in their loss to Meralco.