PBA sets seven road games

SEVEN games on the road including one in Victorias, Negros Oriental highlight the provincial sorties lined up for the PBA's season-opening tournament.

Home to the country's largest sugar refinery, Victorias City hosts the first provincial game of the Philippine Cup pitting the Alaska Aces and the Coca-Cola Tigers on Oct. 11.

The encounter comes exactly a week after the 2008-09 season formally kicks off with an opening weekend set Oct. 4 and 5 at the Araneta Coliseum and Astrodome, respectively.

On Oct. 18, defending champion Sta. Lucia battles Purefoods in Panabo, Davao and a week after in Misamis Oriental (Oct. 25), the San Miguel Beermen take on the Red Bull Barakos.

"Provincial games have been a traditional fare for the PBA in bringing the league closer to the people especially those in the countryside. We welcome the opportunity of playing for the first time in the friendly city of Victorias in Negros Oriental," said commissioner Renauld "Sonny" Barrios.

Reigning Fiesta Cup champion Barangay Ginebra meets Coca-Cola while top rookie pick Gabe Norwood and the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters collide with the Air21 Express on Nov. 8.

Batangas then gets a glimpse of No. 2 overall selection Jared Dillinger as Talk 'N Text meets San Miguel on Nov. 15 before the league goes to Tacloban on the Nov. 29 for the Purefoods-Air21 setto.