The PBA will release the 2021 Philippine Cup resumption schedule on a weekly basis, as it will depend on the teams’ COVID-19 test results.
In a report by the league’s official website Friday, the first week’s set of games will be out on Tuesday — a day after getting the results of RT-PCR tests of all individuals. The conference returns either on Wednesday or Thursday.
“It’s just like our scheduling in the initial games played at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig. Depende sa resulta ng tests,” Commissioner Willie Marcial told PBA,ph.
The schedule issued a couple of days before the July 16 season opener saw alterations after a number of teams returned with positive results; and immediately underwent health and safety protocols.
The last time the league held games was on August 1, which saw TNT escape Phoenix and Rain or Shine thrashing Terrafirma. The conference paused three days later as Metro Manila came under ECQ last August 6-20.
Now, the PBA is set to get its wheels rolling again at the Don Honorio Ventura State University (DHVSU) in Bacolor, Pampanga in a semi-bubble set-up.
All 12 member teams have settled in their respective camps within the province, and are now busy gearing up for the cage wars. The ball clubs are holding practices at gyms in San Fernando, Angeles, and Mexico.
A PBA advanced party spearheaded by Deputy Commissioner Eric Castro and a team of TV5 have also entered Bacolor, the report added.
The all-Filipino wars will run five playdates a week. Triple-headers will play out on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays; meanwhile, Thursdays and Saturdays will feature double-headers.
And to ensure the safety of everyone involved within the semi-bubble, antigen tests will take place every morning of each game day.
