PBA pre-season joust gets underway today

CEBU, Philippines - Cebuano sports fans will be treated to three days of exciting hardcourt action beginning today as three heavyweight squads from the country's premiere pro league will gang up on the M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu Niños in the 2012 Mayor Mike Rama Cup PBA pre-season games at the Cebu Coliseum.

The multi-titled M. Lhuillier under the behest of legendary coach Raul "Yayoy" D. Alcoseba will lock up horns with James Yap and the San Miguel Coffee Mixers (formerly the B-Meg Llamados) in the opener scheduled at 5 pm.

In the main game at 7 pm, Cebu's pride Dondon Hontiveros will see action before his hometown fans for the first time in the Alaska uniform when the Aces go up against the Talk 'N Txt Tropang Texters.

The 6-foot-2 Hontiveros spent a decade of his 12-year pro career with San Miguel Beer until a three-team, multi-player trade sent the prolific hardcourt sniper to the Uytengsu-owned franchise two weeks ago.

The deal has reunited Hontiveros with Alaska bench tactician Luigi Trillo, who served as assistant coach of the Cebu Gems when the former University of Cebu (UC) standout was still playing in the now defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA).

Alaska is Hontiveros' fourth team in the PBA after the Tanduay Rhum Masters, San Miguel Beermen and Air 21 Express.

The three PBA contenders are in the final phase of their preparations for the 38th PBA season set to kick off on September 30 at the Araneta Coliseum.

Tickets are priced at P30 for general admission, P100 for upperbox, P200 for lower box, P250 for reserved seats at the stage and P300 for ringside.

For reservations and further inquiries, one may text or call 0927-3028181 or 0932-6071590. (FREEMAN)