Samboy, SMC play UCPB five

Samboy "The Skywalker" Lim reunites with PBA buddy Hector Calma on the playing court today as title-favorite San Miguel Corp. clashes with United Coconut Planters Bank in the second playdate of the Philippine Star Friendship League at the Meralco gym.

Skipping his first game last Saturday because of personal business, Lim makes his first appearance in the tourney as SMC tackles UCPB at 10 a.m., seeking a followup on its 76-59 victory over the Biboy Ravanes-mentored Swift Hotdogs in the league inaugurals.

SMC drew 34 points from Allan Caidic the last time out but will miss the services of the Barangay Ginebra coach this time with the Kings scheduled to play in Balanga, Bataan in their PBA campaign.

Host team The Philippine STAR, managed by Kevin Belmonte and supported by Adidas, clashes with RCBC in the curtain-raiser at 8:30 a.m. while two-time BIBATO champion ABS-CBN collides with RFM-Swift at 10:30 a.m.

Like the SMC squad, the Starmen and the RCBC five opened their campaign here on a good note with the former whipping ABS-CBN, 80-61, and the latter mauling UCPB, 74-61. — Joey Villar