MANILA -- Meralco and San Miguel will slug it out to join NLEX in the top ranks even as Phoenix and Kia look to bounce back from their season-opening losses as the PBA Philippine Cup paid a post-Christmas visit to the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Wednesday night.
The Fuel Masters and the Picanto will clash in the curtain-raiser at 4:15 p.m., while the Bolts tackle the Beermen in the main game at 7 p.m.
Kia came close to stunning NLEX in their conference debut last week only for Larry Fonacier to fire the dagger four-point play that sealed the latter's win.
Phoenix, on the other hand, also came close to scoring an upset over defending champion SMB on opening night, but the latter showed its championship grit down the stretch.
Speaking of the Beermen, they will try to not give the Bolts an inch as they collide in the nightcap.
Meralco came from a Friday night win against Blackwater, and the club looks to join its sister squad on top of the table, something SMB also aims. (PNA)
