Defending champion San Miguel Beer started its title-defense bid with a masterful 104-96 victory over Phoenix at the start of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 43 Philippine Cup on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum. Chris Ross contributed 16 points and nine assists and Arwind Santos netted 14 points to spoil the return of new Phoenix coach Louie Alas in the PBA. Jeff Chan led the Fuel Masters with 18 points and Matthew Wright had 12. San Miguel Beer sustained it hot start although Phoenix made a mini run in the second period and took the lead for a while. Meanwhile, PBA chairman Ricky Vargas of TNT KaTropa declared Season 43 open as Chito Narvasa tendered his resignation on Sunday morning.

Source: Manila Times December 17, 2017 14:48 UTC