PSL hits home

The Pilipinas Super League is gaining momentum, winning more and more fans now that it has found a regular venue. In its first two months, the PSL played President’s Cup games in at least seven different sites. Now, it has a home court. On Jan. 16, 18, 20 and 22, the league plays its triple-headers at its new home, the Fil-Oil EcoOil Center (aka San Juan Arena). Then, the President’ Cup goes out of town for only the second time this season, bringing the action to the Alonte Arena in Biñan, Laguna on Jan. 23 and 25, before going back to San Juan.

The games are getting more and more thrilling, as teams position themselves for a playoff run.  Thursday, primetime match-up between the MisOr Mustangs Awesam Smile and Demigods went into double-overtime. The succeeding game saw the Pureblends CV Siniloan Daruma Dragons claw back from a huge deficit to almost steal the game from the Novaliches QC Warriors. Saturday’s triple-header at the Caloocan Sports Complex brought even more surprises. The CV Siniloan Daruma Dragons played an exciting nip and tuck game with the Cam Norte Warriors in a match decided in the last minute. But in the last game of the night, a raucous, capacity crowd thunderously applauded as the home team Caloocan Supremos scored a huge upset over the previously-undefeated San Juan Kings Go for Gold. The game was tight throughout, and capped the night well.

What is the PSL’s major currency? Basically, the league is combining the fire of new, young players, giving exposure to unheralded underdogs, and giving cameo and supporting roles to players who have already made names for themselves as professionals for years. College varsity players get to play through a Special Guest License (SGL) from the Games and Amusements Board. On Saturday, Strong Group Athletics – Blazers made their successful debut, further underscoring how Pilipinas Super League has democratized the sport. SGA, playing without head coach Charles Tiu, who is preparing another unit for the Dubai International, wore down an undermanned the Alpha Omega Kings Jikiri Indanan Sulu to notch their first win.

In the PSL, basketball has become an intergenerational game, appealing to parents and their