GAMES TODAY
(Ninoy Aquino Stadium)
5 p.m. – TNT vs. Blackwater
7:30 p.m. – Magnolia vs. NLEX
THREE teams in the hunt for a much-desired top four finish show up today while a squad which is out of the playoffs but still very capable of springing a surprise tries to make the most of what is left.
NLEX takes on Magnolia today for the solo lead going into the homestretch of the eliminations of the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
The match is set for 7:30 after TNT, also chasing inclusion in the first four spots that will be rewarded with twice-to-beat edges in the eight-team quarterfinals, clashes with also-ran Blackwater at 5 p.m.
Foremost among the goals of the Hotshots is to lick their wounds fast and recover from a stinging 81-85 loss to the Ginebra Kings in the season-ending tourney’s iteration of the “Manila Clasico” last Sunday and bag the win-once incentive, according to coach Chito Victolero.
“We will go for it (twice-to-beat advantage),” Victolero said. “We can’t dwell on that. We focus on NLEX na, our next game.
“Iyong destiny namin, iyong chance namin to have a twice-to-beat advantage still nasa kamay pa naman namin. So, we will prepare hard to get that,” he added.
The likes of Zavier Lucero, Paul Lee, Mark Barroca, Ian Sangalang, and new addition William Navarro are expected to carry Magnolia in its drive to raise its 7-2 mark.
Holding the same record, the Road Warriors should be no pushover, especially after they posted a 105-95 victory over the Phoenix Fuel Masters also last Sunday.
NLEX will rely on gunner Robert Bolick, Javee Mocon, Xyrus Torres, Brandon Ramirez, and Tony Semerad.
Tropang 5G tactician Chot Reyes is in no illusion his charges can simply run over the Bossing and easily stretch their five-game winning streak.
“If you will remember, hindi masyadong maganda ang record namin sa Blackwater. Parang last game namin, NorthPort din iyan. Palagi rin kaming natatalo sa NorthPort,” Reyes said. “So, we’re taking Blackwater very seriously.
“They have two certified scorers. Kailangang depensahan talaga si (Sedrick) Barefield at tsaka si (Christian) David and then lately ang ganda pa ng inilalaro ni (RK) Ilagan.”
The grand slam-seeking TNT quintet activated ace playmaker Jordan Heading to its line-up after the trade that landed the Tropang 5G the former Gilas Pilipinas cager in exchange for the rights to Mikey Williams was greenlighted by the pro league’s Commissioner Office last Monday.
But Heading, who joined his new team’s practice last Wednesday, is doubtful to see action due to his continuing back spasms recovery.
Calvin Oftana, Roger Pogoy, Kelly Williams, JP Erram, and the returning pair of Almond Vosotros and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser should be counted upon by TNT (5-3) in doing an encore to a 90-74 rout of NorthPort last week.
A lot are stake for the Hotshots, Road Warriors, and Tropang 5G—all hoping to emerge with the key wins when all the dust settles tonight.
