PBA PHILIPPINE CUP Hostilities rage anew

Games Today

(Smart Araneta Coliseum) 4:30 p.m. — Meralco vs Columbian 7 p.m. — Phoenix vs NorthPort

Phoenix Pulse tries to get back on the winning track against NorthPort at the Smart Araneta Coliseum as the PBA Philippine Cup returns following a two-week break due to the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers.

The Fuel Masters will also aim at virtually securing a quarterfinals berth in the 7 p.m. match while aching to recover from 98-94 overtime loss to the league-leading Rain or Shine Elasto Painters last Feb. 10.

Coach Louie Alas took advantage of the break by letting Phoenix play several tune-up games while trying to map out ways to secure its sixth win in seven games.

Defense will again be Alas’ main focus as the Fuel Masters kick off back-to-back assignments.

Phoenix is slated to play Alaska on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Matthew Wright, Calvin Abueva, Jason Perkins and Justin Chua are expected to play big roles against NorthPort which will be led by the duo of Stanley Pringle and Sean Anthony.

Pringle leads the league in scoring at 22.5 points with Anthony second at 20.5 points alongside 6.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.8 steals.

Colliding in the 4:30 p.m. are Meralco and skidding Columbian, teams seeking to climb up the standings.

The Bolts are in eighth place at 2-3 following a loss to the NLEX Road Warriors last Feb. 2 while the Dyip have dropped their last three outings after a 2-1 start.

or Shine Phoenix Pulse Alaska Ginebra

San Miguel TNT KaTropa NorthPort Meralco NLEX Columbian Blackwater Magnolia 7 1 5 1 2 1 3 2 4 3 3 3 2 2 2 3 2 4 2 4 1 6 0 3 quarters berth