Ginebra makes PH Cup debut in "Christmas Clasico"; Romeo-less GlobalPort opens campaign too

Another chapter of the PBA Clasico will happen in Bocaue. Dennis Acosta (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Two more teams are yet to begin its 2018 PBA season campaign.

But right on Christmas night, they will set foot at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue.

In what would essentially be the first non-Mega Manila schedule for the young season, GlobalPort and Ginebra open their respective stint against separate foes.

The Batang Pier battle the NLEX Road Warriors at 3 p.m., while the Barangay take on the Magnolia Hotshots in the latest chapter of the "PBA Clasico" at 5:15 p.m.

However, the anticipated showdown between rookie guard Kiefer Ravena and star scorer Terrence Romeo in the first game will have to wait as the latter will sit out the NLEX-GlobalPort game due to a lingering knee injury.

Still, there is a reason to check out the said game as Lervin Flores, Joseph Gabayni, and Julian Sargent will make their PBA debut.

Meanwhile, the second game promises to be another exciting showdown as Paul Lee, a known "Ginebra-buster", looks to follow up on a 30-point explosion against Alaska on Wednesday versus Ginebra on Monday.

Also to watch out in the "Christmas Clasico" is the debut of Jett Manuel.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno