Another edition of the Manila Clasico will be held on Christmas Day as the PBA on Monday unveiled the full 2024-25 Commissioner’s Cup schedule.
Barangay Ginebra and Magnolia are set for a December 25 showdown at the SMART Araneta Coliseum at 7:30 p.m., the first time since 2021 that two of the league’s most popular ball clubs will duke it out on the special date.
The Hotshots emerged victorious in their previous Christmas encounter by a wide margin, 117-94, in a Governors’ Cup battle held at the Big Dome as well.
This would be the first Clasico meeting since the Season 48 Philippine Cup quarterfinals last May 11, which saw the Kings breeze to a 99-77 victory to maximize their win-once playoff incentive for a quick trip to the semis.
Ginebra and Magnolia weren’t able to meet during the Season 49 Governors’ Cup as the perennial contenders were pooled in different groups.
The other fixture of the 2024 Christmas Games, meanwhile, will feature reigning all-Filipino champs Meralco and Converge at the 5:00 p.m. twin-bill opener.
It’s going to be another hectic elimination round this conference as the PBA compressed its schedule once more to give Gilas Pilipinas more prep time for the third window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers in February.
The import-laden tournament will raise its curtains on November 27 at the Philsports Arena and conclude on January 31 in the same venue.
The FiberXers will take on Terrafirma at 5:00 p.m., before Phoenix welcomes guest team Hong Kong Eastern at 7:30 on opening night in Pasig.
With Eastern in the mix, 13 teams are set to compete in the Commissioner’s Cup for the second time in a row. The 2022-23 edition witnessed the now-defunct Bay Area take part, eventually finishing as runners-up to Ginebra.
A total of 40 gamedays will be played in the eliminations. Fifteen will be played at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, while 11 is slated at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Two, meanwhile, will be held out of town. Batangas is set to play host to the Barangay and Converge on December 21, while the Bolts and San Miguel Beer are scheduled for a bout in Candon, Ilocos Sur on January 18.
