Magnolia begins PH Cup campaign

ACTION in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup shifts to the historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Malate, Manila with an explosive double header today, March 16.

The Terrafirma Dyip tangle with the Blackwater Bossing at 3 p.m, while the Magnolia Hotshots debuts in the tournament against Converge FiberXers at 6:30 p.m.

The PBA last played at the RMC during the early 1980s when the fabled sports coliseum named after national hero Jose Rizal acted as an alternate venue for the pro league. It was the home of the PBA during the early years of the league in the 1970s.

Magnolia, meanwhile, will be looking to make a huge start in the all-Filipino conference after falling short of its title aspirations in the recent Commissioner’s Cup.

The Hotshots reached the Finals behind athletic import Tyler Bey but bowed to eventual champions San Miguel Beermen 4-2 in their best-of-seven title series.

Magnolia faces a Converge side that opened the conference with four straight defeats.

Terrafirma and Blackwater, on the other hand, are looking to use the game to get back on the winning track.

The Dyip dropped backto-back games to TNT and Phoenix while the Bossing saw their three-game win streak to begin the conference come to a halt after bowing to NLEX last Wednesday 103-97.

Top rookie pick Stephen Holt missed Terrafirma’s game against Phoenix due to a bad back. The Euro league veteran, though, is listed as day-to-day and could possibly play against Blackwater should his condition improve.

Holt averaged all-around numbers of 22.7 points, 8.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists, while playing 38 minutes per contest during the first two games of this conference.

Other than the Filipino American guard, veteran gunner Juami Tiongson and vastly improved Javi Gomez de Liano are also set to lead the Dyip’s charge.

The Bossing will have new boy Rey Nambatac, along with Rey Suerte, Troy Rosario and rookie Christian David leading the way.