MANILA, Philippines - Commissioner’s Cup titlist B-Meg, with import Marqus Blakely in tow, starts its chase of a second straight championship as it collides with Rain or Shine in the third playdate of the PBA Governors Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum today.
Never in the 23-year PBA participation of the franchise has B-Meg won successive titles.
A chance to make history could spur the otherwise weary B-Meg squad as it returns to action just a little over two weeks after completing a triumphant run in a grueling final series in the second conference.
B-Meg and Rain or Shine play at 7:30 p.m. after Barako Bull and Powerade clash at 5:15 p.m.
The Llamados hope Blakely will fit in well with the team system much like Denzel Bowles in the Commissioner’s Cup.
Blakely came in with a good credential, including being a two-time American East Conference Basketball Player of the Year and three-time American East Defensive Player of the Year while playing for Vermont.
The Elasto Painters, however, are unfazed, believing they have more preparation for this game than the Llamados.
“I know B-Meg is short on preparation and this would be the best time to play them,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao. “Of course, B-Meg is still formidable but I would rather play them early than later.”
Jamelle Cornley came through with 27 points and 11 rebounds in his debut as a RoS import, leading the Elasto Painters to a 107-100 win over the Alaska Milk Aces in the tournament opener Sunday.
Coaches Guiao and Tim Cone are both saying it’s a must for everyone to get a good start in this tourney which is even shorter than the Commissioner’s Cup.
Cone has a burning desire to keep his winning ways as he’s determined to match if not surpass Baby Dalupan’s all-time best record of 15 championships.
The B-Meg mentor is now a championship away from tying Dalupan’s mark after steering the Llamados to the top in the last conference.
Cone isn’t unfamiliar to winning successive championships, having a streak of four straight titles and a run of three with Alaska Milk.
Of course, everyone is after B-Meg’s neck.
Barako Bull and Powerade could well be among those which could give B-Meg a tough challenge.
“Jamine Peterson is blending well with our locals and our veterans are in shape except for Mick Pennisi who has just got out of the rehab for his calf muscle injury,” said Barako Bull coach Junel Baculi.
“It’s important to understand that we need to battle each game. One game will have a significant effect on how we will finish our season,” said Powerade coach Bo Perasol.
The Tigers were off to a losing start, beaten by the Petron Blaze Boosters, 83-97, Sunday.