Brgy Ginebra debuts vs Magnolia

Christmas day special in Philippine Arena

MANILA, Philippines — Back-to-back Governors Cup titlist Barangay Ginebra finally makes its debut in PBA Season 43, bringing in its intact champion roster in tangling with old rival Magnolia in the mainer of a PBA Christmas Day presentation at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

The GlobalPort Batang Pier also play their first game in the season, clashing with the NLEX Road Warriors in the 3 p.m. curtain-raiser of a special bill tipped to draw a mammoth crowd.

Over 30,000 fans trooped to the Philippine Arena in last year’s PBA Christmas Day Special also headlined by the keenly followed matchup between the Gin Kings and the Hotshots in what has been aptly billed “Manila Clasico.”

With their own star-studded, talent-laden lineup headed by twin behemoths Greg Slaughter and Japeth Aguilar, the Gin Kings are considered the biggest threat to the three-year reign of the San Miguel Beermen as Philippine Cup champs.

But as in all their previous tiffs, the Hotshots aren’t a bit intimidated. In fact, Magnolia coach Chito Victolero is upbeat of his wards’ chances.

“We’re positive and optimistic. We’ll prepare to have the chemistry and teamwork to overcome their roster power advantage,” said Victolero.

“If we can play as a team on both ends of the playing court, we’ll have a chance to beat them,” he added.

Paul Lee made a rousing comeback from an injury and led the Hotshots to a 108-95 drubbing of the Alaska Milk Aces last Wednesday at The Arena in San Juan.

“Mas mabigat nga lang ang Ginebra. They have the edge in our head-on matches,” said Victolero whose team ended on the losing end of the 2017 Christmas Day showdown between these two teams.

They later figured in a tough semifinals matchup, with the Gin Kings prevailing in the deciding Game Seven. The Kings also won their most recent tiff in the Governors Cup which Ginebra subsequently ruled on its conquest of Meralco in the finale.

“We have to deal with Greg Slaughter and Japeth Aguilar inasmuch as we have to handle well LA Tenorio, Sol Mercado and Scottie Thompson who are all efficient operators at the backcourt,” said Victolero.

Meanwhile, the NLEX Road Warriors are out to nail a Christmas Day win in a follow-up to their 119-115 triumph over the Kia Picanto last Wednesday.