The Photokina franchise may have been Purefoods’ ally in its bid for survival in the league but the board room war is over, and the two teams are likely to engage in a fierce showdown at the Araneta Coliseum hardcourt at 7:10 p.m.
The other half of the day’s PBA Governors Cup twinbill pits Pop Cola against Talk N Text at 5:05.
The Hotdogs are expected to ride a new wave of confidence but the Thunder still loom as the favorite with the Commissioner’s Cup titlist coming off back-to-back wins over the Tanduay Rhum Masters and the previously-unbeaten Talk N Text Phone Pals.
Red Bull, which won the second conference crown over reigning champion San Miguel Beer, started its bid in the third conference sluggishly, losing its first two games to Pop Cola and Sta. Lucia.
Purefoods, on the other hand, opened its campaign on a bright note, beating Alaska, 97-89, only to suffer successive defeats following the ouster of slotmen EJ Feihl and Andy Seigle due to injuries.
The good news is that Feihl is finally returning from sickbay today. The bad news is that Seigle is declared out for the rest of the season after being diagnosed to have a torn ligament on his ankle by no less than Dr. Stephen Lombardo – the team physician of the Los Angeles Lakers.
"We’re still badly undermanned but the team is upbeat and excited to play after hearing the new development on our franchise," said Purefoods coach Eric Altamirano.
The PBA board of governors on Monday night approved to amend one provision in its constitution, paving the way for Purefoods’ continued stint in the country’s premier pro league.