Beermen take on Hotshots as new season unfolds Sunday
PBA IMAGES
Defending champion San Miguel begins its bid for a third straight Philippine Cup title when it opens the 2017 PBA Season against Star on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The league released its full schedule on Monday prior to the pre-season press conference at Makati Shangri-la.
The tiff between the retooled Beermen and the new-look Hotshots will be the lone game in the season-opener, with the opening ceremonies to start at 4 p.m.
It will also feature Paul Lee’s debut in Star as goes up against three-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo and the powerhouse Beermen.
Mac Belo makes his debut with Blackwater against fellow rookie Matthew Wright and Phoenix while rebuilding contenders Rain or Shine and TNT face off on Wednesday, Nov. 23.
Mahindra takes on GlobalPort and Alaska go up against NLEX on Nov. 25, while Governors’ Cup finalists Ginebra and Meralco make their season debuts on Nov. 27 to complete the opening week, all to be played at the Big Dome.
Ginebra and Star renew their rivalry on Christmas Day, while San Miguel takes its crack at Ginebra on Jan. 8.
James Yap will also face his team for 12 years when Star takes on Rain or Shine on Dec. 18.
NLEX coach Yeng Guiao also meets his former stud Paul Lee on Dec. 7, while the fiery mentor prepares for Rain or Shine on Dec. 23.
Old rivalries will be renewed when last year’s Philippine Cup finalists San Miguel and Alaska cross paths on Dec. 3 at Araneta Coliseum.
Alaska wages war against Commissioner’s Cup champion Rain or Shine on Jan. 4, while Ginebra and Meralco take on each other on Jan. 14 in Iloilo.
The tournament will also see six out-of-town games with Antipolo, Lanao del Norte, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, Cebu, and Angeles City serving as hosts.
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