MERALCO aims to reclaim sole possession of the top spot, even as streaking Star hopes to continue its ascent as they face separate opponents in the resumption of the 2016 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup.
Losers of two in a row after winning their first five games, the Bolts (5-2) are looking to arrest their skid when they take on inconsistent Blackwater (3-4) at 4:15 p.m., while improving Star (3-4), winner of two straight, takes on cellar-dweller GlobalPort (2-5) at 7 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
In addition to getting back to solo first and snapping its losing run, Meralco also wants to have a foot in the quarterfinals.
Meralco and Blackwater are both coming off losses in their last outings.
The Bolts lost their last assignment to sister team NLEX, 99-104, last week, while the Elite succumbed to Barangay Ginebra, 79-89, last Sunday.
Meralco will be playing without veteran gunner Gary David, who will serve his one-game suspension that was given by the Bolts for conduct detrimental to the team.
Following their atrocious 1-4 start, the Hotshots have finally picked things up since second import Ricardo Ratliffe took over.
Star is in the middle of the pack and a third straight win will temporarily give it sole possession of sixth place.
Games Today
(Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City)
4:15 p.m. – Meralco vs. Blackwater
7 p.m. – GlobalPort vs. Star