FOLLOWING more than a week of break, the fireworks for the year start tomorrow for the Philippine Basketball Association as action resumes in the 2018 Philippine Cup with a fiery doubleheader.
Early co-league leader NLEX (2-0) aims on staying hot as it goes for the solo lead when it faces Phoenix (1-1) at 4:30 p.m., even as crowd darling Barangay Ginebra (1-0) and GlobalPort (0-1) test each other in the main event at 6:45 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in the first playdate of 2018.
Currently, the Road Warriors are tied with defending champion San Miguel Beer at the top with 2-0 slates and they can overtake the Beermen and grab solo first with another win.
Through the spectacular all-around play of rookie sensation Kiefer Ravena, the Road Warriors have been stellar so far.
Ravena, who was named as the season’s first Player of the Week before the calendar turned, didn’t waste time in introducing himself to the league as he immediately made an impact in leading his team to two straight victories, the last one at the expense of GlobalPort, 115-105, on Christmas day.
Now, he looks to keep his fine form as he faces the challenge from the Fuel Masters, who will have No. 4 pick Jason Perkins on their side.
Like NLEX, Phoenix was likewise triumphant in its last game, listing its first win against Kia, 125-102, last Dec. 27.
The Gin Kings rediscovered the winning formula right away in their tournament debut as they continued their mastery of Magnolia, 89-78, also last Christmas to crack the winning column.
“We’re looking to sustain our nice start and gain some momentum to start this year,” said Ginebra coach Tim Cone.
Ginebra shoots for a second straight win, but would have to tackle the unpredictable Batang Pier, who are in search of their first victory.