PBA Oct. 7 Preview: San Miguel looks to make opening statement against NLEX, while Titan Ultra debuts against Meralco

The PBA’s 50th season is underway with the Philippine Cup as the San Miguel Beermen look to stamp itself early with a dominant win against the up-and-coming NLEX Road Warriors, while the debuting Titan Ultra Maxx looks to open its first season with a win against heavy-hitter Meralco Bolts.

The San Miguel Beermen enter the league’s golden season looking to defend their crown and regain dominance. After winning last year’s Philippine Cup crown against the TNT Tropang 5G, the Beermen went on a downward trajectory. They failed to make the Commissioner’s Cup playoffs after finishing in 10th place, before falling in six games against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the semifinals of the Governors’ Cup.

It was a disappointing season by San Miguel’s standards, which is still led by the now nine-time MVP winner, June Mar Fajardo. The team’s core is still intact as Marcio Lassiter, CJ Perez, and Jericho Cruz still provide intensity and versatility on both ends of the floor. Newcomer Chris Miller could provide explosiveness and much-needed scoring off the bench.

They need to make a statement in the opener, especially with TNT looking fragile with injuries, but in their way is Robert Bolick and his Road Warriors. Bolick has shown that he can lead NLEX to the playoffs, but the team itself needs to show that it can consistently compete with the league’s top contenders.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

PBA @ 50 🏀

Magsisimula na ang harapan sa hardcourt sa PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup tuwing Miyerkules, Biyernes, at Linggo.

Mapapanood ito sa PBA Rush, RPTV, at Pilipinas Live app. | via One Sports

📷: One Sports pic.twitter.com/Etdnt1bFVH

— News5 (@News5PH) October 6, 2025

Picking LJay Gonzales with the fifth pick is certainly a sign that NLEX is aware of what they should do, as the former FEU guard could transform into the team’s primary facilitator this season. Last season’s standouts Xyrus Torres and JB Bahio also add to the team’s firepower as they aim to replicate their previous Philippine Cup win-loss record of 8-3.

Meanwhile, Titan Ultra begins its PBA journey with a tough opponent in Meralco. The Giant Risers attained Northport Batang Pier’s core duo of Calvin Abueva and Joshua Munzon. Despite rumors, team manager Adriane Anglim assured the duo’s importance in the Giant Risers’ hope to assert themselves as contenders in their first season. Rookie Chris Koon could also make waves with his versatility and size.

Standing in their way is the new-look Meralco, which has ditched the orange for blue to signal a new era. No. 7 pick Jason Brickman is expected to make an instant impact, facilitating a core of Chris Newsome, CJ Cansino, and the returning Aileen Maliksi. The Bolts have been perennial old guards over the years, but a new era is dawning as they seek to regain the Philippine Cup crown they won back in 2024.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate basketball fans.