PBA Philippine Cup opens

Game today

Araneta Coliseum

4 p.m.- Opening Ceremonies

6 p.m.- Brgy. Ginebra vs. Global Port

TWO teams which made bold moves in the off-season try to make immediate impact as the Philippine Cup of the brand new Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) season opens today at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Barangay Ginebra Kings, who strengthened their line-up by acquiring crack point guard LA Tenorio in a blockbuster multi-player deal, face league newcomer Globalport Batang Pier (formerly Powerade) in a lone match set to start at 6 p.m.

Now on its 38th season, the league will adopt an inter-intra format for its season-opening conference.

The 10 competing teams will be divided into two groups with the Air21 Express, Meralco Bolts, Petron Blaze Boosters, Brgy. Ginebra and San Mig Coffee Mixers (formerly B-Meg) in Group A. Group B will have the Alaska Aces, Barako Bull Energy Cola, Global Port, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, and defending champions Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters.

Group A teams will meet Group B squads twice (10 games) while group members will play each other once.

The top eight teams based on their cumulative win-loss records will move to the quarterfinals, while the number nine and 10 teams will be eliminated.    /EDITORIAL ASSISTANT CALVIN D. CORDOVA