WITH defending champion TNT bugged by injuries, coach Chot Reyes is hoping his charges could win their last four matches in the PBA Philippine Cup eliminations so they can have something solid to build on when they finally get a long-needed break.
“We have four games left, and we have to get as many wins as we can and then we’re going to get a two-week break, I think, while the other teams are still playing,” Reyes said.
“We’re going to get a break, and hopefully we can use that break to have our injured core recover,” he added.
The Tropang Giga’s resolve will be tested anew today when they tangle with struggling NorthPort at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The match is set at 3 p.m., with San Miguel Beer trying to regain the solo lead when it battles slumping Rain or Shine at 6 o’clock.
TNT overpowered Phoenix 87-72 three days ago that hiked its record to 5-2, good for solo fourth.
A fourth straight win would stoke the Tropang Giga’s bid for a slot in the quarterfinals and more triumphs against Terrafirma on Friday, the Beermen on July 7 and Ginebra on July 10 would also boost their chances of gaining a top two finish and a twice-to-beat advantage in the playoffs.
After the eliminations, TNT’s core is set to beef up the Gilas Pilipinas squad in the FIBA Asia Cup set July 12 to 24 in Jakarta.
Despite missing Troy Rosario, Ryan Reyes, and Jaydee Tungcab due to knee injuries and Kib Montalbo to groin strain the last time out, the Tropang Giga remain formidable.
The likes of Mikey Williams, Roger Pogoy, Jayson Castro, and Kelly Williams are expected to lead TNT’s charge.
The Batang Pier won their first two games of the season-opening tourney but have lost three straight, including an 87-97 setback at the hands of Meralco last Thursday.
NorthPort will pin its hopes on Robert Bolick, Jamie Malonzo, Kevin Ferrer, Roi Sumang, and Arwind Santos.
“The second half of the eliminations is very important because right now we don’t know who will be number one or number two after the elimination. Of course, our target is to get to the top two,” SMB tactician Leo Austria said.
“But if will see the team standings, talagang magulo pa. Isang panalo mo, puwede kang umakyat, isang talo, puwede kang bumaba.”
Without Terrence Romeo (back), Vic Manuel (strained calf), and Chris Ross (knee), the Beermen still proved too strong for Converge 111-92 last Sunday to climb to 4-1 in a tie with Ginebra.
SMB will bank on June Mar Fajardo, CJ Perez, Marcio Lassiter, and Mo Tautuaa.
The Elasto Painters, coming off an 85-89 defeat to the Tropang Giga five days ago, will rely on Rey Nambatac, Beau Belga, Leonard Santillan, Gian Mamuyac, Mike Nieto, and Gabe Norwood as they try to improve their 1-4 slate.
