The Manila Metrostars and the Cebu Gems renew their rivalry tonight as they clash in the MBA FedEx Crossover Cup at the Cebu Coliseum.
The Metrostars and the Gems meet for the first time at 6:30 p.m. since the former beat the latter in a best-of-seven playoff for the crown last year.
After a 1-2 start, the Metrostars have gone on a three-game winning streak with 1999 MVP winner Alex Compton back from sickbay. Manila leaned on back-to-back triples by Compton in the closing seconds to avert a potential upset in the hands of Cagayan de Oro Sunday.
A victory over Cebu today will move Manila to solo fourth spot behind Pampanga (3-1), Pasig-Rizal (3-1) and Davao (4-1). If the Metrostars lose, they will slide to solo seventh place.
Like the Metrostars, the Gems are looking to extend their winning streak to three games and need the victory to stay in striking distance of the early leaders after an inspiring 92-84 home win over the Pampanga Dragons last March 15.
A Cebu victory will give the 1999 Southern Conference titlists the momentum they need as they embark on a tough five-game road swing.
After today's tussle, Manila, on the other hand, returns home to play the Negros Slashers on March 29.
Meanwhile, the Iloilo Megavoltz hope to end their four-game losing skid when they clash with the Nueva Ecija Patriots at 4 p.m. at the Araullo Centrum in Cabanatuan City.