Alfrancis Chua debuts as Ginebra coach vs Air 21

Alfrancis Chua debuts as Ginebra coach vs Air 21

GlobalPort and Barako Bull battle for the early Commissioner’s Cup lead as they clash in the PBA opener on Sunday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

Coming off hard-earned wins at the start of the tournament on Friday, Batang Pier and the Energy Cola square off at 4:15 p.m. with the winner taking the top spot with a 2-0 win-loss card.

In the main game, Alfrancis Chua debuts as Barangay Ginebra San Miguel coach against Air 21 in their 6:30 p.m. duel. Herbert Hill will reinforce the Gin Kings while Michael Dunigan will lead the Express.

GlobalPort shocked Petron Blaze, 94-92, while Barako Bull upended the import-less San Mig Coffee, 79-75, to start their respective campaign on a high note last Friday.

Gary David, Sol Mercado and Japeth Aguilar carried the fight for Batang Pier after import Justin Williams was ejected in the game because of a flagrant foul penalty two on Boosters center June Mar Fajardo.

“But we still lots of jelling to do,” said Globalport coach Junel Baculi. “We cannot rely on individual talent. We have to build our chemistry.”

David had a game-high 28 points while Mercado and Aguilar, who came in via separate trades during the break, contributed 17 and 16, respectively, for GlobalPort.

The Energy Colas banked on their defense in silencing the defending champion Mixers, who played without Matt Rogers who was sidelined due to food poisoning.

Evan Brock provided the hustle plays for Barako Bull while guards Josh Urbiztondo and new recruit Jonas Villanueva contributed big numbers for the victory.

“We won by defense and that’s the great way to begin,” said Energy Cola consultant Rajko Toroman. “But we have a new system. A lot of things are new. We need time to put everything in the right spot.”