For the past two Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League seasons, San Juan-Go for Gold and Cocolife-Davao Occidental figured in fierce finals battles that saw the two squads win one cup each.
However, a potential rubber match between the two top regional teams in the country will no longer be possible for the foreseeable future.
This as the Knights and the Tigers have gone their separate ways, joining two different professional regional leagues in Filbasket and Pilipinas Super League, respectively.
On Friday, San Juan faces Malaysian team Kuala Lumpur Aseel to cap opening day of the 2022 Filbasket Summer Championship presented by Puregold at San Jose del Monte Bulacan Sports Complex at 7:00 PM.
Over at Dipolog City Sports Complex, Davao Occidental opens the PSL Pearl of the Orient Cup powered by Smart 5G against former VisMin Super Cup team Roxas Vanguards at 6:00 PM.
Former Knights Larry Rodriguez and John Wilson banner the crack Tigers team.
On the other hand, the Knights will parade young guns Justin Gutang, Ato Ular, Christian Bunag, and Tonton Peralta.
It will be the only game in the PSL as opening the festivities in the newly-formed league is an exhibition game between Cocolife executives and a celebrity team.
Meanwhile, Filbasket is offering a three-game slate with collegiate squads Immaculada Concepcion College and AMA Online Education serving as the opener at 3:00 PM. Both varsity squads have availed of the Games and Amusements Board’s special guest license.
Tanduay then faces preseason favorite Nueva Ecija at 5:00 PM.
Filbasket and PSL will not be charging tickets for their games.
