WATCH: Interview with Best Player Ivan Aska and Coach Jorge Gallent [Dec. 17, 2023]

The PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup features a clash of champions on Sunday as San Miguel and TNT face off at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.

Fresh from conquering Brgy. Ginebra, the Beermen – the recent Philippine Cup winners – take on the defending Governors’ Cup champion Tropang Giga. Both teams are rolling, having won their previous games, and are battling to break into the top four playoff spots.

Sitting tied for fifth place with identical 4-3 records, the Beermen and Tropang Giga are just half a game behind fourth-place NorthPort. A win on Sunday would boost either team up the standings.

The Beermen are riding high after defeating the Gin Kings 95-82 on Friday. Meanwhile, the Tropang Giga have momentum from back-to-back wins over NLEX and Blackwater.

With so much on the line, the showdown promises to be intense. TNT will look to Rondae Hollis-Jefferson for leadership against a San Miguel squad still relying on Ivan Aska as they await the return of their injured star. This marquee matchup of two surging champions could determine who claims the fourth playoff spot.

Bennie Boatwright, Nick Rakocevik’s teammate with the UST Trojans, arrived this week but was unable to see action because he fell ill shortly after landing.

Aska delivered just 10 points and eight rebounds along with five turnovers against Brgy. Ginebra, but his SMB teammates compensated by stepping up their play.

Chris Ross went 6-for-9 on three-pointers and scored 22 points. New addition Don Trollano and Jericho Cruz also had significant contributions with 16 markers each.