Games today:
(Ynares Center)
3 p.m. — Converge vs Meralco
6:15 p.m. — TNT vs San Miguel
Ivan Aska will suit up for San Miguel today against TNT in the main offering of today’s double-header in the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup returning to the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Fresh from getting back on track after dealing their respective rivals a sound beating, the Beermen and Tropang Giga are expected to answer the whistle brimming with confidence.
San Miguel topped sister squad Barangay Ginebra, 95-82, last time the Beermen saw action while the Tropang Giga mauled Blackwater, 105-96, behind the 42 points and 12 rebounds of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.
But focus will be on San Miguel following the decision to retain the services of Aska despite the presence of standby import Bennie Boatwright.
“We’re sticking with Aska,” said San Miguel Beer team manager Gee Abanilla, who gave Boatwright enough time to adjust to the team’s system.
Abanilla defended Aska’s retention.
“He scored only 10 points last time around, but that’s alright as long as there is balanced local contributions.”
Newly-acquired Don Trollano immediately made his presence felt and gave San Miguel all the reason to heave a sigh of relief with its latest signee who figured in a multi-player, three-team trade where Robert Bolick was the centerpiece.
Boatwright is the college teammate of former Magnolia reinforcement Nick Rakocevic at University of Southern California.
After San Miguel, TNT will play in the East Asia Super League as it hosts the Fubon Braves at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex on 20 December.
Meralco and Converge square off in the other game at 3 p.m. as the FiberXers fight for dear life to keep their slim playoff chances alive.
Converge finally broke into the win column after six failed bids on Wednesday when it outlasted Terrafirma, 103-94, in overtime.
