After more than a week of break, action resumes in the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup as ailing teams plunge back to action.
With the All-Star Week now in the rear view mirror, teams now focus on their respective campaigns as the elimination round reaches its halfway point.
Defending champion San Miguel Beer (0-3), which has yet to post a win, hopes to turn its fortunes around when it goes up against rejuvenated Phoenix Pulse (3-2) at 7 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Hours prior, the opening game is likewise anticipated given the recent developments involving Kiefer Ravena as NLEX (1-4) meets woeful Blackwater (0-6) at 4:30 p.m.
After being slapped an 18-month suspension by FIBA in all its sanctioned tournaments after testing positive for banned substance, Ravena’s status in the PBA is now up in the air.
Technically, the PBA is sanctioned by the FIBA but is an organization that stands on its own as well. As of this report, the league is yet to issue an official statement regarding the matter.
NLEX coach Yeng Guiao shared his sentiments regarding this stunning development that shook his team.
“What happened was devastating to our team, especially to Kiefer (Ravena). We stand behind him as he is an honorable man from a respected family. We know him and he’s a good kid,” said Guiao. “Right now, we’re still not a hundred percent sure on whether his suspension will also apply in the PBA. We’re still unsure.”
“Still, our team is committed to continue working our way to climb the ladder and be a contender.”
The Road Warriors and most especially the Elite are in dire need of wins to keep their sagging chances of making the top eight alive.
The Fuel Masters and the Beermen were coming off contrasting fates in their last outings before the break.
With resident import Eugene Phelps back in town, Phoenix came up with a huge 103-98 double-overtime win against Barangay Ginebra last May 30 while a day earlier, San Miguel suffered a heartbreaking 103-105 setback at the hands of Alaska in Dumaguete City despite the best efforts of returning import Renaldo Balkman.
While Phoenix looks to start a winning streak, San Miguel is in desperation mode as it faces a must-win situation.
Looking ahead, the explosive import match-up between Phelps and Balkman is expected to produce fireworks.