MANILA, Philippines – The Blackwater Elite looks to make it two wins in a row when they take on the debuting Meralco Bolts in the 2016-17 PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Elite, banking on a strong debut from rookie Mac Belo, won their opening game against Phoenix, 94-87, last week. It was the first time in franchise history that the squad won its first game of the conference.
Belo finished one rebound short of a double-double with 17 points and nine rebounds, while sophomore forward Arthur dela Cruz had 12 points and 10 boards of his own.
They are expected to lead the way anew for the young Elite when they take on a Meralco team looking to build on a Finals stint in the PBA Governors' Cup last season.
"We want to continue on our campaign with another good game, and hope we can translate it to another win for our team," Blackwater coach Leo Isaac said. "The excitement is still there, and we are going to ride our momentum going into our game against Meralco."
The Bolts, now playing without retired point guard Jimmy Alapag, will be more reliant on reigning Rookie of the Year Chris Newsome and young playmakers Baser Amer and Anjo Caram. Veteran forward Jared Dillinger is expected to be back after missing the Finals due to a hamstring injury.
"Judging by their first game performance, Blackwater will be a tough game," said Meralco coach Norman Black. "We will look to match their energy, and put a lot of focus on our defense."
Game time is at 4:30 p.m.
In the second game of Sunday's double-header, defending Governors' Cup champions Barangay Ginebra open their All-Filipino Cup campaign against the TNT KaTropa.
TNT is coming off an opening-day loss against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, losing 87-101 in a game they played without Jayson Castro.
"TNT didn't shoot the ball well the last time out, but we expect them to shoot the ball a lot better against us," said Ginebra coach Tim Cone, stressing that his team needs to bring their "A" game against the KaTropa.
"I think we're all looking forward to getting this thing started," he added.
The game marks the PBA debut of rookie Kevin Ferrer, selected by Ginebra in the special draft for Gilas cadet players, as well as Jericho de Guzman and Jammer Jacinto. The Gin Kings will still be playing without Greg Slaughter, who is recovering from a knee injury.
Game time is at 6:30 p.m.
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