Bolts, Dyip cross paths

Games today:

(Ninoy Aquino Stadium)

5 p.m. — Terrafirma vs Meralco

7:30 p.m. — Converge vs Phoenix

Starting on the right track to open their respective campaigns, opening day winners defending champion Meralco and Terrafirma duke it out for the solo lead in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup today at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Both teams are looking for a follow-up after claiming contrasting victories two nights ago when they collide in an exciting 5 p.m. curtain-raiser.

Meanwhile, Converge and Phoenix eye to barge into the win column after dropping their first assignments in the main game slated at 7:30 p.m.

The Dyip jumpstarted their last conference journey amid the ballclub’s ongoing negotiation for sale to Starhorse Shipping Lines with a 95-87 win over the Fuel Masters last Friday.

Despite uncertainties with the franchise’s status, Terrafirma played like a well-oiled machine, building a 23-point lead before weathering a late fourth quarter storm for a strong start.

“They are maturing and the presence of Terrence (Romeo) and Stanley (Pringle) during practice is great because it raises the competition level. Everyone’s a team player and they commit to our efforts. Hopefully, it’ll translate to more wins,” Dyip head coach Raymund Tiongco said.

The two veteran guards and Louie Sangalang led the way for Terrafirma’s inspiring debut. Sangalang had 21 points while Romeo and Pringle added 17 points each.

But Romeo, who was traded by San Miguel Beer to the Dyip November last year, delivered the firepower in a telling third quarter explosion that created the separation and dropped the run-busting long bomb to douse cold water on Phoenix’s late game rally.

“I would say I’m in better shape and condition compared to the last conference. But I’m still far from an ideal playing condition compared to my teammates,” the 33-year-old Romeo said.

“I guess I’m just relying on better decision-making inside the court.”

But the Dyip are facing a roadblock in the Bolts, who want to do better in closing out games despite still missing key players Chris Banchero and Allein Maliksi.

Reigning Finals Most Valuable Player Chris Newsome bailed out repeat-seeking Meralco from defeat with a clutch jumper with 0.8 second left in the game to beat the FiberXers, 91-89, for a come-from-behind win.

However, the Bolts are in a tough bind with Maliksi being ruled out for the season due to a lingering back injury. Banchero, meanwhile, will be out for at least a week or two due to a hamstring injury.

“One week to two but it depends, CB (Banchero) might take a little bit longer because he’s a little bit older but we won’t rush him back,” Meralco coach Luigi Trillo said.

“Allein is out for the conference. But it’s exciting also that we see a lot helping out. You have Alvin (Pasaol), CJ (Cansino), New and Bong (Quinto). We’ll just do with what we have,” he added.