by Jonas Terrado
Games Saturday (Mall of Asia Arena)
4:30 p.m. – TNT KaTropa vs San Miguel
6:45 p.m. – Magnolia vs Ginebra
The PBA kicks off the playoff phase of the Philippine Cup with San Miguel Beer taking on corporate rival TNT KaTropa and sibling rivals Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and Magnolia squaring off at the Mall of Asia Arena.
San Miguel and TNT collide at 4:30 p.m. before Ginebra and Magnolia lock horns at 6:45 p.m. as they aim to draw first blood in their respective best-of-three quarterfinal affairs.
Expected to be a crowd drawer is the “Manila Clasico” showdown between Magnolia and Ginebra.
Both teams forged an early playoff encounter after Ginebra finished third in the eliminations and Magnolia ending up in sixth spot.
Ginebra claimed victory in their lone elims meeting, 97-93, in overtime last March 17 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“More than it being the Manila Clasico, it’s the first game of a short series, therefore that make it crucial for both teams,” said Ginebra coach Tim Cone.
“We know Paul Lee and company are going to be ready so we need to be at our best,” he added.
Cone is banking on Japeth Aguilar, Greg Slaughter, LA Tenorio and Scottie Thompson to step up for Ginebra, as well as role players Kevin Ferrer, Aljon Mariano, Sol Mercado and Art dela Cruz.
The return of veteran Joe Devance from an injured foot in Wednesday’s loss to NorthPort gives Ginebra additional depth.
Magnolia coach Chito Victolero is hopeful that Lee, Mark Barroca, Jio Jalalon and Ian Sangalang can be at their best form yet and reaffirmed its mastery of Ginebra after last season’s semifinal series win in the Governors’ Cup.
Meanwhile, San Miguel begins the second phase of its quest for a fifth straight Philippine Cup title with the aim of resuming its playoff dominance over TNT.
The Beermen have won their last five playoff meetings with the KaTropa.
