Meralco is leaving nothing to chance as it seeks a fitting follow up to its triumphant campaign last week in the PBA 3×3.
The Bolts activated Joseph Manlangit and join Alfred Batino, Leo De Vera, and Reymar Caduyac for Leg 4 of Season 2 First Conference which comes off the wraps Saturday at Robinsons Malabon.
Manlangit takes over the spot of Tonino Gonzaga, who teamed up with Batino, De Vera, and Caduyac last week when the Bolts defeated rookie team J&T Express, 19-14, for the Leg 3 crown and the P100,000 prize money.
Meralco leads Pool A with Barangay Ginebra and NorthPort and will open its bid against the Batang Pier at 12:40 p.m., for the fifth game of the 12 matches set on the opening day of pool play.
The Express are grouped with Pioneer Elastoseal Katibays and Blackwater Red President in Pool B, Cavitex Braves, the Leg 2 winner, are with Platinum Karaoke and Purefoods TJ Titans in Pool C, while Pool D features San Miguel, Terrafirma 3×3, and TNT Tropang Giga.
It’s not only Meralco though, which altered its roster for the latest leg of the standalone tournament.
The Tropang Giga tapped big man Rey Mark Acuno, the Express are bringing back veteran Marvin Hayes, LA Revilla returns for NorthPort, Nichole John Ubalde suits up for Purefoods, and Terrafirma parades Bryan Santos.
As in previous legs, the same format applies where the top two teams from the four pool will advance to the quarterfinals.
The knockout stage, including the semis and finals, will be played on Sunday.
Champion team receives P100,000, runner up P50,000, and third placer P30,000.