TITAN Ultra shares the spotlight with reigning champion San Miguel in the second playdate of the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Here is a preview of Wednesday’s double-header.
MERALCO VS. TITAN ULTRA
When: Wednesday, October 8. 5:15 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center-Antipolo
Debut game for Giant Risers
Titan Ultra is slated to make its PBA debut after Pureblends Corporation purchased the NorthPort franchise in its match-up against Meralco on Wednesday.
Aside from keeping the Batang Pier core led by Joshua Munzon and Calvin Abueva, the Giant Risers made movements, including signing Von Pessumal and Aljun Melecio, trading for Ato Ular and Jeo Ambohot, and picking up Chris Koon in the rookie draft.
Busy start for Meralco
Meralco opens the 50th Season Philippine Cup with a busy schedule, as it plays five games in 11 days beginning with the Titan Ultra game before heading for Japan for its EASL debut against Ryukyu Golden Kings. Starting out with a victory will be important for the Bolts’ campaign, as they juggle the PBA and EASL campaigns.
Allein Maliksi returns
Allein Maliksi will be coming back to play his first game since Christmas Day after recovering from a back injury. The sharp-shooting Maliksi will be providing much-needed firepower from the outside that Meralco sorely missed last Season.
John Cardel back at the sidelines
The game will also mark the return of Johnedel Cardel to the sidelines after accepting the role as head coach of Titan Ultra. Cardel was relieved of his duties as head coach of Terrafirma last season, and he will be out to redeem himself and make the Giant Risers a competitive team.
SAN MIGUEL VS. NLEX
When: Wednesday, October 8. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center-Antipolo
SMB begins title defense
Three months after winning the 49th Season Philippine Cup, San Miguel starts its title defense on Sunday against NLEX. The Beermen had a slow start to their preparations after losing two tune-up games, but they are expected to step up as the real games begin.
NLEX used to beating SMB early in the conference
Don’t count NLEX out in its early match-up against San Miguel. During the 49th Season Commissioner’s Cup where the Beermen were the defending champions, the Road Warriors pulled the rug from under SMB with a 104-99 overtime win last December 8 in a game that was also held at the Ynares Center.
Cjay Perez questionable
The status of Cjay Perez for the match-up remains in doubt as he is dealing with a Grade 3 ankle sprain that he sustained way back during Gilas Pilipinas’ campaign in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025. Perez didn’t play San Miguel’s tune-up games, and might not be in peak form if he goes on to suit up in the ballgame.
Even with Perez out, June Mar Fajardo is expected to display his usual form that led him to capture his ninth PBA MVP.
Chris Miller makes debut
Eyes will also be on Chris Miller on Wednesday as he makes his PBA debut. At 32 years of age, Miller is one of the oldest rookies to play in the PBA but not before making an intriguing resume where he played international ball in Iraq, Switzerland, and Bosnia among others.
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