Pro league alters schedule of games

Malaya
October 27, 2007

INTERIM Commissioner Sonny Barrios, acting on the request of the PBA’s official broadcast partner, has moved the tip-off time of the first game of the league’s regular doubleheader a few minutes later, a welcome development for fans who regularly watch games live at the Araneta Coliseum and other venues.

Starting this Sunday, weekend games will start at 4:30 p.m., instead of 4:05 p.m., with the second game starting at 6:50. First games during Wednesdays and Friday’s will start at 4:50 p.m., instead of 4:35 p.m., while the second game will keep its original 7:20 p.m. schedule.

The slight change was an offshoot of the games being finished earlier than usual due to the implementation of FIBA officiating rules.

"We’ve been closely monitoring the progress of the games since we started implementing the new rules. Mas mabilis matapos ang laro ngayon because the new rules have lessened the unnecessary lulls," Barrios said.

Although the first game will start a little bit late, the league’s top brass is optimistic the regular doubleheader will still finish early.

For Barrios, the latest development is a blessing in disguise coming at the right time considering his efforts to attract more "warm bodies" in playing venues.

"This is truly an encouraging sign for us. By starting the game a little late, we are giving our fans a chance, particularly the working force, to catch majority part of the first game during weekdays.

"It also provides a good opportunity for students to come and enjoy the games on weekends without worry of getting late for classes the next day because the games finish early, unlike before when the games run up to 10 o’clock in the evening," Barrios said.

According to Botong Chavez of the league’s operations department that keeps track of each game, last Wednesday’s match between Red Bull and Welcoat was the shortest game played so far, taking just 1 hour and 31 minutes to complete.

"We foresee that as the players and teams adjust to the new rules, less fouls will be committed. That means mas bibilis and laro and mas maagang matatapos ang games," Barrios said.