By JONAS TERRADO
Games Today
(AUF Arena Powered by Smart 5G)
4 p.m. – NorthPort vs Phoenix
6:45 p.m. – Ginebra vs Blackwater
The saga surrounding the possible reinstatement of Calvin Abueva could be finally known today as Phoenix Super LPG takes on NorthPort in the PBA Philippine Cup inside the campus of Angeles University Foundation.
Abueva was scheduled last night to complete all the conditions set by the Games and Amusements Board in order for his professional license to be reinstated, which may pave the way for PBA commissioner Willie Marcial to lift his 15-month suspension in time for the 4 p.m. match.
But Marcial has remained noncommittal about Abueva’s situation as he reiterated the player’s need to settle all requirements as it is “for the good of everyone.”
If Abueva finally gets the green light to play, it will be welcome news for the Fuel Masters side which opened the campaign with a 116-98 rout of the Meralco Bolts last Monday.
Even if Abueva continues to be shelved, interim coach Topex Robinson still has sweet-shooting Matthew Wright to rely upon.
Wright dropped 36 points on 11-of-23 shooting as Phoenix gave Robinson a winning start in his first game since taking over from Louie Alas.
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel plays Blackwater at 6:45 p.m. in a battle of teams that won their opening assignments.
Ginebra downed NLEX 102-92 in the official restart of the season last Sunday while Blackwater stunned NorthPort 96-89 the following day after rallying from a first half deficit.
Phoenix, Ginebra and Blackwater are aiming to join TNT atop the standings at 2-0 with a victory.
TNT rolled past Terrafirma 112-101 with Ray Parks Jr. sizzling for a career-high 40 points. It was the second straight game that the Tropang Giga had a player with at least 40 after RR Pogoy fired 45 points against the Alaska Aces.
Rain or Shine held off defending champion San Miguel Beer 87-83 to open its campaign on a bright note.
