by Jonas Terrado
Games Today (Batangas City Coliseum)
4:30 p.m. – Columbian vs Rain or Shine
6:45 p.m. – Ginebra vs NLEX
Stanley Pringle is expected to make his Barangay Ginebra San Miguel debut against NLEX today as the PBA Commissioner’s Cup makes a rare visit to the Batangas City Coliseum.
Acquired in a four-player trade from NorthPort last Tuesday, Pringle has declared himself fit to suit up for the 6:45 p.m. match after missing four games this conference due to an injured right foot.
Coach Tim Cone sees Pringle as a key piece in the puzzle for the Kings as they try to go 4-3 in the midseason tournament.
Resident import Justin Brownlee, LA Tenorio, Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar and Greg Slaughter are hoping to step up for Ginebra, which was one week removed from a 110-107 overtime win over San Miguel Beer.
NLEX, meanwhile, is coming off a 100-91 victory over Meralco last Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The outcome enabled the Road Warriors to barge into the win column after a 0-6 start.
While there seems no pressure to catch a quarters berth, NLEX would like to try get an upset in hopes of possibly make a late run.
Import Tony Mitchell and Jericho Cruz lead the Road Warriors’ quest for a second straight win.
Meanwhile, Rain or Shine tries to bounce back from a heartbreaking overtime loss the last time when it faces Columbian in the opener at 4:30 p.m.
The Elasto Painters blew a 25-point third quarter lead and fell 107-105 to the NorthPort Batang Pier last Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Rain or Shine currently holds a 2-3 record and import Denzel Bowles and company are determined to make up for their dismal setback.
