Games Today
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
4:15 p.m. – Meralco vs TNT
7 p.m. – SMB vs Rain or Shine
Well-rested Meralco and struggling San Miguel have different issues to worry as they face separate rivals today in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Meralco hopes that rust won’t have an effect in its bid to regain a share of the lead as it faces TNT KaTropa in the 4:15 p.m. while all eyes are on import Terik Bridgeman as San Miguel meets Rain or Shine at 7 p.m.
It will be Meralco’s first game since Aug. 19, when it came back to score a 107-104 victory over Phoenix. The Bolts play with Baser Amer and Mike Tolomia returning from leading Gilas Pilipinas to the Southeast Asian Games gold medal and Cliff Hodge from an ankle injury.
Coach Norman Black’s Bolts, carrying a 5-1 record, seek a tie with idle Barangay Ginebra San Miguel for the top spot as they play a KaTropa side groping for form after losing to the GlobalPort Batang Pier, 119-112, Friday night in Antipolo City.
TNT fell to sixth place at 4-3, needing crucial wins with four games left in the eliminations to secure a top four spot and a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.
Meanwhile, Bridgeman was a flop in his Beermen debut, scoring just two points in a 90-79 defeat to the Alaska Aces Saturday night in Angeles City, Pampanga.
San Miguel reportedly is mulling an import change after that disappointing performance Bridgeman, who came in to replace the more-effective Wendell McKines.
The Grand Slam-seeking Beermen are desperate to snap a two-game skid, but face a tall order as the Elasto Painters have played impressive as of late.
Rain or Shine has won three straight, with import J’Nathan Bullock and Raymond Almazan leading the way.
The Elasto Painters play their first game since a 92-88 victory over the Star Hotshots last Aug. 27.
Rain or Shine is tied for fourth place with Star at 4-2.
