James Yap of San Mig drives against Rain or Shine’s Chris Tiu in the recent PBA Philippine Cup Finals. (PBA Images)
Games today
Araneta Coliseum
5:45 p.m.- Alaska vs. Meralco
8:00 p.m.- San Mig vs. GlobalPort
Philippine Cup Champions San Mig Coffee Mixers start bid in Commissioner’s Cup
Newly-minted All-Filipino Cup champions San Mig Coffee Mixers start their bid for a third straight crown while the Alaska Aces parade new faces when they play separate foes today in the 39th PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
Looking to make it two wins in a row, the Aces play the Meralco Bolts in the first game, while the Coffee Mixers battle the GlobalPort Batang Pier in the main game.
Alaska will be parading new recruit Vic Manuel, whom they got from the Air21 Express in exchange for Aldrech Ramos. The Aces have also reportedly acquired shooter Renren Ritualo, who became a free agent after he was released by the Express.
The defending champions Aces are coming off a 77-93 win over the Batang Pier, bouncing back from a 72-85 opening day loss to the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters.
Reigning Best Import Robert Dozier keyed Alaska’s win over GlobalPort by firing 25 points, 15 coming in the fourth where the squad broke free from a tight contest.
Meralco dropped its assignment versus the San Miguel Beermen, 76-94, despite getting 29 points and 21 rebounds from import Brian Butch.
James Mays, on the other hand, will be the last import to display his wares as the Coffee Mixers were given extra days following a title run in the Philippine Cup.
The 6-foot-9 Mays will try to lead San Mig to a third straight title finish as it also won the Governors’ Cup last year.
Mays suited up for three teams in the NBA D-League last year. He had his best production with the Springfield, where he submitted 16.4 points and 10.6 rebounds a game.
The Batang Pier are looking to break into the win column and give Pido Jarencio his first win as a PBA head coach.
Prior to their 16-point loss to the Aces, the Batang Pier lost to the Express, 78-83.