It's a battle between champions as recent Philippine Cup titleholder Meralco and reigning Governors' Cup titlist TNT collide in the mainer of the PBA's Thursday double-header.
Meralco and TNT clash for the early lead in Group A in the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Thursday, Aug. 22.
While still undermanned with the absence of Allein Maliksi and Raymond Almazan, the Bolts beat heavyweight Magnolia in the season opener last Sunday, Aug.18.
A big reason for that victory was the return of three-time best import Allen Durham, who led Meralco to three Governors’ Cup finals in the past.
[WATCH: PBA Player of the Game highlights: Allen Durham marks Meralco return with double-double in victory over Magnolia]
Also parading a prolific reinforcement are the Tropang Giga with former Brooklyn Net Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who filled up the stat sheet in their 101-95 win over NorthPort.
[WATCH: PBA Player of the Game Highlights: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson delivers all-around numbers in TNT's first win against NorthPort]
He finished with 32 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, four steals and four blocks.
The two stellar import test each other’s mettle in the 7:30 main game of the double-header that also features NLEX and Blackwater which is slugging out as of presstime.
[RELATED STORY: PBA: Early import change for NorthPort as Batang Pier bring in familar face in Venky Jois]