6 p.m. Valencia vs Tribu Sugbu
A product of the MLQU Stallions and an original member of the Tribes, the six-foot-four Mercado is expected to provide a big boost at the post for Tribu Sugbu, which is coached by Al Solis.
The return of Mercado is hoped to solved the height problem which hounded the team since the departure of center Joseph Ronald Quiñahan, who played for Granny Goose Kornets in the PBL, and Alfie Grijaldo.
In the NBC national finals last year against Forward Taguig, Mercado dished out 28 points in games 2 and 3 after being scoreless in game 1.
During the NBC pre-season games last year, Mercado scored 12 points in the finals against the Laguna-Springs, 85-79, where Tribu Sugbu secured its second straight NBC crown.
Also, Rex Mangubat of USP is returning following an injury but he is yet to prove his might in the court against the visiting Golden Harvesters, who are looking to improve its 2-2 win-loss record.
Valencia won its match against North teams Cavite and Baguio but bowed down to South teams Cagayan de Oro and Ozamiz.
Tribu Sugbu, toting a 2-1 card, is manned by veteran players like ex-pro Lowell Briones, Alex Cainglet, Ronaldo Bucao, Doroteo Almacin, Russ Neil Paglinawan, Eduardo Pening, Eunick Reyes, Bernie Ursal and Mark Magsumbol.
Valencia, a potential South division contender, relies on ace pivotman Franklin Nailon acquired from Bacchus Energy Drink in the PBL which was eliminated, veteran point guard Joselito Celiz, hotshot Rene Toring, Dino Cabili, Jester Adams and Eliazar Berami, among others.