Games Wednesday (Cuneta Astrodome, Pasay City)

5:15 p.m. — Barako Bull vs B-Meg

7:30 p.m. — Petron Blaze vs Meralco

MANILA, Philippines — Barako Bull opened its PBA Commissioner’s Cup campaign with a huge victory despite their import Dermarr Johnson’s struggles with his offensive game, tallying 19 points on 8-of-26 shooting from the field – including 1-of-9 from three-point territory.

The former NBA veteran promised to do well in his team’s next game.

The 6-foot-9 Johnson, a first round pick by Atlanta Hawks in the 2000 NBA Rookie Draft, will be tested again when the Energy battle the B-Meg Llamados powered by Denzel Bowles at 5:15 p.m. at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

Barako Bull opened the reinforced conference with an impressive 98-78 win over Alaska last Friday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

While the 31-year-old Johnson struggled, it was former league two-time MVP Willie Miller who carried the team with 25 points on 11-of-14 shooting, while Ronald Tubid, who was traded to the Energy during the break, added 10 markers.

Petron and Meralco, on the other hand, will clash in the second game at 7:30 p.m., with both teams eager to rebound from their opening day setbacks.

Meanwhile, a top executive of Coca-Cola which owns the Powerade franchise in the PBA, confirmed that the franchise is indeed for sale but nothing has been finalized as San Miguel Corporation, which possesses the right of first refusal, is still reportedly weighing its options.

The franchise is reportedly being offered for P100 million.

William Schultz, president and chief executive officer of Coca-Cola Bottlers PH, Inc., met with PBA commissioner Chito Salud last Tuesday during which he laid out the moves being taken by the PBA member.

Schultz said that while there had been initial talks with San Miguel, no deal has been finalized and that if ever a sale is concluded, he would inform all parties concerned including the PBA and members of the its board.

Salud, who appeared unaware of talks between Coca-Cola and San Miguel and learned of the proposed sale through the papers, said he plans to meet with the board to propose new ground rules when matters like these arise.

Also, Salud said he will not take any action regarding the proposed trade that would send Powerade’s Marcio Lassiter to Petron in exchange for Noy Baclao and Rey Guevarra until such time that the franchise sale is completed or fully clarified.