In sync with Team Pilipinas’ campaign in the FIBA World Cup qualifiers, the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup is set to go on a two-week break starting on Valentine’s Day.
The Feb. 13 doubleheader at the Mall of Asia Arena will be the last for the league in the All-Filipino conference before giving way to the national team’s preparation and participation for the sixth and final window of the qualifiers.
The twinbill will feature Alaska against Blackwater at 4:30 p.m. followed by the clash between Magnolia and Rain or Shine at 7:00 p.m.
Action in the season-opening conference won’t resume until Feb. 27 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum when Meralco tangles with Columbian Dyip and Phoenix goes up against NorthPort.
“There’s no turning back in our support for the national team. Sabi ko nga ang PBA all-out support ‘yan sa Team Pilipinas,” said commissioner Willie Marcial.
Team Pilipinas is currently preparing for its last two must-win games in the qualifiers against Qatar and Kazakhstan, respectively.
The Filipinos are currently in fourth spot in Group F with an even 5-5 record, hoping to earn a berth in this year’s World Cup to be held in China in September.
The team leaves for Doha, Qatar on Feb. 16 and will play the host country on Feb. 21. It travels to Astana on the 22nd to battle Kazakhstan on the 24th.
