THE reigning champions NLEX Road Warriors once again take the stage as they battle RnW Pacific Pipes while the Café France Bakers take on an embattled Big Chill team which has just fired its head coach.
The Road Warriors and the Bakers are seeking their second straight win in a bid to assume the early lead. Both won their opening assignments by a blowout.
NLEX test the mettle of Pacific Pipes at 4 p.m. following the 2 p.m. encounter between Café France and Big Chill at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Pacific Pipes lost its opening game by 21 points against Blackwater as Pido Jarencio, who took over from Topex Robinson, marked his coaching stint with the Steel Masters on a sore note.
Calvin Abueva, who had 20 points and 18 rebounds, in the Road Warriors’ 80-70 win against Big Chill will be a big headache for the Steel Masters with his athleticism and scoring prowess along with Chris Ellis, Clifford Hodge and 6-9 center Ian Sanggalang.
Café France also expects a tough duel with Big Chill, which made an impact last conference by making the semifinal of the Aspirants’ Cup and nearly bouncing NLEX in the best-of-three series. The Super Chargers are surely aching to bounce back and give their new coach a grand welcome.
Robert Sison, who called the shots for Montana and Teletech in the now defunct Philippine Basketball League, debuts as Big Chill coach after the team’s owner parted ways with coach Aresenio Dysangco. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio