RAIN or Shine and NorthPort make their 2024-25 PBA Philippine Cup debut on Saturday, as the conference resumes play on the court following the festivities related to the league’s 50th anniversary.
Here’s a preview of the double-header.
NORTHPORT VS. TERRAFIRMA
When: Saturday, April 12. 5 p.m.
Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium
NorthPort starts Philippine Cup campaign
NorthPort begins a new conference on Saturday after its relatively successful campaign in the Commissioner’s Cup where it finished first at the end of the eliminations and reached the semifinals before being ousted by Barangay Ginebra. The big difference this time around is that the Batang Pier will be playing without an import after having Kadeem Jack carrying them.
Arvin Tolentino vies for same success in Philippine Cup
After his Best Player of the Conference distinction in the Commissioner’s Cup, Arvin Tolentino will look to deliver an encore in the All-Filipino. But without an import, Tolentino may need to double his load. His teammates must also step up to fill the hole left by Jack.
Avan Nava debuts for NorthPort
The Batang Pier made a change in their roster entering the Philippine Cup by acquiring Avan Nava and a future draft pick from San Miguel in exchange for JM Calma. It remains to be seen what impact Nava will bring to the Batang Pier, having seen limited action on the floor during his time with the Beermen.
Terrafirma looks to get back to winning ways
The Dyip enter the game against the Batang Pier with a goal of regaining their winning ways and improving their 1-1 record. Terrafirma is coming off a 118-80 loss to Meralco last April 6.
Sangalang on pace for stellar conference
Louie Sangalang has been emerging early in the conference, averaging 22 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks.
The Dyip need him to play consistently in order for the team to have a chance at winning as many games as possible.
RAIN OR SHINE VS. NLEX
When: Saturday, April 12. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Rain or Shine debuts in Philippine Cup
Rain or Shine opens a new chapter in the Philippine Cup after another semifinal outing in the Commissioner’s Cup. It was the Elasto Painters’ third straight Final Four and they are definitely seeking to improve on it this conference.
NLEX out to bounce back
The Road Warriors opened the conference with a 98-89 defeat to San Miguel last Saturday. If there was a silver lining, it was a competitive game against one of the title contenders of the conference before SMB hit big shots down the stretch.
Kevin Alas limited minutes in NLEX’s first game
Kevin Alas surprisingly played just seven minutes and 39 seconds in NLEX’s loss to San Miguel, although he made a difference by scoring eight points.
Alas’ minutes in the Rain or Shine game will be something to watch.
Miranda back in his shooting ways
Bothered by injuries last conference, Michael Miranda looks healthy now and back to being an unlikely weapon from the outside. Miranda had 15 points while shooting 2-of-5 from fours and 1-of-5 from threes.
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