CRESTFALLEN by its quarterfinals exit at the hands of Magnolia in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup last Sunday, TNT is seeking to lick its wounds fast and recover in a do-or-die duel against Anyang Kwan Jang.
“We’re approaching this game with utmost focus and intensity,” outgoing Tropang Giga coach Jojo Lastimosa, who delegated coaching duties to deputy Josh Reyes in the East Asia Super League Home and Away Season, said.
“We know the stakes, and we’re leaving no stone unturned in our preparations. We’re preparing for all scenarios and making sure we respect the talent that Anyang brings to the court.
“We expect them (Red Boosters) to come out aggressive as they also have a lot at stake in this match,” he added days before it was announced that Chot Reyes will be back to call the shots anew for the team in the Philippine Cup in March.
The match is set at 7 p.m. at the Philsports Arena in Pasig, with the Tropang Giga needing to win to stay in the hunt for the remaining semifinals slot in Pool A.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson returns for TNT (1-4) following a neck injury he suffered in the team’s 80-69 win over the Taipei Fubon Braves last Dec. 20 in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
The former NBA player will team up anew with older brother Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson as they try to keep the Tropang Giga alive in the tough semis race.
The visiting reigning Korean Basketball League champion is also seeking a victory to formally bag a berth in the Final Four and avoid complications in case a tie happens at the end of the eliminations.
The Red Boosters (2-2) will parade a new import in Jamil Wilson but are going to miss the services of injured Asian quota player Rhenz Abando. The former NCAA Rookie-MVP out of Letran travelled with the team though for a brief Manila homecoming.
A win by TNT, however, doesn’t guarantee the squad of advancing to the semis outright.
The Triple Giga still need a Taipei Fubon Braves win over the Anyang Red Boosters on Feb. 7 in the hope of forging a three-way tie at second spot, in which case the tiebreaker situation will be applied to determine the second and last semis slot in their bracket.
The Chiba Jets of Japan B. League completed a six-game sweep of their assignment in Group A to take the first semifinals ticket.
