Chris Tiu of Smart-Gilas National Team (right) drives against Mark Yee of Burger King during their KFC-PBA Philippine Cup duel at the Araneta Coliseum last Friday. The Whoppers` won, 115-105. (Photo by MARK BALMORES)

Games on Sunday (Araneta Coliseum)
4:00 p.m. — Barako Bull vs Coca-Cola
6:30 p.m. — Purefoods vs Ginebra

After swapping players with the help of a third party during the off-season, SMC sister teams Barangay Ginebra and Purefoods TJ Hotdogs test each other’s mettle this Sunday as they dispute the early lead in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Kings and the Giants collide in the main game at 6:30 p.m., right after the Coca-Cola Tigers and the Barako Bull Energy Boosters face-off at 4 p.m.

Meantime, defending champion Talk ’N Text opened its title-retention bid with an 85-76 win against Rain or Shine late Friday at the Big Dome.

The retooled Purefoods squad opened its campaign on a positive note when it scored a convincing 93-80 victory over Burger King on opening day last Sunday with new recruit Rafi Reavis tallying 14 points and 20 rebounds.

In a fitting welcome to Mark Caguioa, the Kings scored a vengeful 98-86 win over San Miguel last Wednesday.

In his first game for the King after missing two conferences last season due to various injuries, the high-leaping Caguioa sizzled with 17 points.

During the break, the Kings and the Giants engaged each other in a “trade-off “ with either Barako Bull, Coke or Burger King acting as conduit.

Aside from Reavis, who played for Ginbera, the Giants also took Paul Artadi (Ginebra), and Chris Timberlake joining Purefoods together with Marc Pingris.

In return, Ginebra got Rico Villanueva, Rich Alvarez, and Celino Cruz, as well as back up center Paolo Bugia.

“Ginebra played with tremendous grit and determination against San Miguel. They used their overwhelming advantage on quickness to run the more talented and taller Beermen,” Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio said.

“The return of Caguioa has given them an added boost in the energy department. He was really the spark and he must be contained,” Gregorio added.

Against San Miguel Beer, Caguioa scored 15 points in the third period. Eric Menk also came through with 18 points and nine rebounds while reigning MVP Jayjay Helterbrand had 17 points, seven board and nine assists.

Gregorio expects a playoff type of game against Ginebra, saying: “Even in the elimination round, it gives you a playoff atmosphere. Nothing less than a playoff brand of performance is required to match their intensity and energy.”

Barangay Ginebra head coach Jong Uichico said that with the addition

Purefoods had in during the break to team up with mainstays like Kerby Raymundo and former MVP James Yap, he knows it will be tough match-up.

“We have to find a weakness in their team,” he said. “They have the size and speed to match up against any team.”