THE PBA revisits an old haunt and a matchup with a history dating back to pre-PBA days as the league celebrates its golden anniversary Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
San Miguel Beer and Meralco will be featured in a special twin bill, with the Beermen and the Bolts wearing retro jerseys.
And the 7:30 p.m. tiff will likely bring back memories of Royal Tru Orange and the Meralco Reddy Kilowatts in the olden days at the national stadium.
It’s a big, big game. It’s also the first face-off in the Philippine Cup between the two teams since the Bolts stunned the Beermen to claim their maiden crown in the league in April last year.
For the rematch, coach Luigi Trillo and his troops are to stake a perfect 2-0 slate while coach Leo Austria and his wards look for a follow-up to a triumphant conference debut versus the NLEX Road Warriors (98-89 on Saturday).
“We’re excited, we’re honored that we’re playing San Miguel as part of our 50th year,” said Trillo.
“This is a very prestigious game, and it’s an opportunity for us as we’re up against the team that beat us (in the last All-Filipino Finals),” said Austria.
“We have rich traditions from our ball clubs, and when we play with each other, there’s a high respect for each other. After the last All-Filipino, we know they’re (SMB) going to come back. They haven’t been winning in a while, so Coach Leo has that team going, and they’re going to be ready. They may be the oldest team but also the most experienced team,” Trillo said.
Magnolia and Converge battle in the 5 p.m. opener in the golden anniversary bill, where fans get a special treat.
For one, every fan who enters Rizal will receive a commemorative PBA at 50 T-shirt. Tickets will be sold at special prices: P50 for lower box seats and P30 for general admission.
The PBA’s first-ever game was played exactly 50 years ago, with Mariwasa Noritake beating Concepcion 101-98.