Another powerhouse is set to make its PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup debut as San Miguel takes on Titan Ultra on Saturday in Antipolo.
Game time is set at 5:15 p.m at the Ynares Center, with the Beermen entering the matchup as the overwhelming -20.5 favorite against the Giant Risers, with the game’s total points over/under set at 205. Bets can be made here: https://www.casinoplus.com.ph/home/inGame?name=Basketball&title=SportBet.
Being the Philippine Cup champions anew, fans and observers alike are looking at SMB, some of them intrigued by how they’d fare in a conference they lorded over just two seasons ago with Marcus Lee serving as their import.
Many are still waiting for Bennie Boatwright but his contractual obligations with Daegu KOGAS Pegasus in the Korean Basketball League have been blocking a reunion, compelling Coach Leo Austria to search for a pinch-hitter of sorts.
They eventually found Lee, who came in armed with a championship pedigree, having won an NBL crown in Australia with Melbourne United in 2024.
Listed at 6-foot-11, the former Kentucky Wildcat is expected to fit in well with nine-time MVP June Mar Fajardo and the rest of the Beermen, hoping to win their second straight championship in the league’s golden season.
“I think he’s not here to take away roles–he’s here to strengthen what we already do well and push our standard higher,” team manager Gee Abanilla told Tiebreaker Times last February when he confirmed Lee’s arrival.
Together, they will start their journey versus a Titan Ultra team that’s been raring for a win after suffering back-to-back, 30-point losses to start the tilt.
(C) PBA Images
The Phoenix of Coach Charles Tiu, on the other hand, is hoping to keep in step with surprise leaders Terrafirma atop the standings when they take on another team hoping to get rolling in Meralco in the 7:30 p.m. nightcap.
It’s going to be a tad personal as well for the rookie head coach as he will be facing one of his former teams, but all that will be put to the side as the Fuel Masters only want to keep their winning run going–and tie the Dyip.
Currently, Terrafirma is sitting all by its lonesome at the no. 1 spot with a pristine 3-0 record after impressive wins versus Titan Ultra, Converge, and Blackwater.
But Phoenix, which previously took down LA Tenorio and Magnolia and the Giant Risers, in that order, could make it an interesting race. But the odds are not in their favor, as far as the Casino Plus sportsbook is concerned.
The Bolts are a -5.5 favorite to win the game. The total over/under spread is set at 103.5.
Still, it’s not lost on them that doing so won’t be an easy task, knowing that the Bolts are entering the bout confidently after their come-from-behind 109-88 win over Converge just last Wednesday, with Marvin Jones leading the way.
