Back to the grind

Sporting Chance

- By JOAQUIN M. HENSON

After a 10-day break, the PBA returns to action with a Commissioner's Cup doubleheader at the Smart Araneta Coliseum today. Meralco takes on guest squad Eastern in the first game then Barangay Ginebra engages San Miguel Beer in the nightcap. Both contests are vital in keeping hopes alive for a top two finish entering the playoffs. Eight of 13 contenders will advance to the quarterfinals but the top two placers gain a twice-to-beat advantage in the pairings.

There are 78 games scheduled in the single-round eliminations with the final bill at the PhilSports Arena on Jan. 31. The plan is to finish the quarterfinals before the PBA calls a ceasefire for Gilas to prepare for the FIBA Asia Cup third qualifying window against Chinese-Taipei on Feb. 20 and New Zealand on Feb. 23, both on the road.