By Jonas Terrado
Games Today
(Ynares Center, Antipolo City)
4:30 p.m. — Blackwater
vs Phoenix Pulse
7 p.m. — San Miguel
vs Rain or Shine
Blackwater tries to deal another unbeaten team its first loss in the PBA Philippine Cup when it takes on league-leading Phoenix Pulse tonight at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Two nights removed from their 111-99 victory over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at the Cuneta Astrodome, the Elite are determined to halt the Fuel Masters’ 3-0 start in the match set at 4:30 p.m.
Terrence Romeo and Alex Cabagnot could make their returns at 7 p.m. as defending champion San Miguel Beer battles Rain or Shine.
Romeo has missed the last three games due to an ankle sprained sustained against the Columbian Dyip while Cabagnot has yet to play this conference due to a hamstring problem.
San Miguel, holding a 2-2 card, attempts to regain its footing following a 104-93 defeat to TNT KaTropa last Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Elite pulled off a surprise against the Elasto Painters, erasing an 11-point second quarter deficit to pick up their first victory after starting the conference with losses to the NorthPort Batang Pier and Meralco Bolts.
Mike DiGregorio, upset over an online article which called Blackwater’s performance as “pathetic”, vent his ire on Rain or Shine by firing 12 of his 27 points in the third quarter.
Coach Bong Ramos is hopeful that his team’s fighting character would show anew against Phoenix, which posted the best start in franchise history by winning its first three outings.
Fuel Masters coach Louie Alas is wary that the Elite could make things difficult for them as they take a crack at win No. 4.
Phoenix will lean on Matthew Wright, who leads the league in scoring at 21 points per game, Calvin Abueva and Jason Perkins while Blackwater hopes to get contributions from rookies Abu Tratter and Paul Desiderio, Allein Maliksi and Chris Javier, who had 16 points and 13 boards.
Meanwhile, Rain or Shine could give Raymond Almazan heavy minutes this time after playing just three minutes in Wednesday’s defeat that ended the team’s 2-0 start.
Elasto Painters coach Caloy Garcia said he would rather see Almazan get a feel of the game slowly but surely after missing the first two matches with an injured ankle.
