TNT is bracing for war in its pivotal contest against San Miguel on Sunday in the PBA 49th Season Commissioner’s Cup.
The Tropang Giga and the Beermen battle on Sunday, 7:30 p.m. at the Ynares Center with a lot at stake. The two squads are squaring off for the first time this conference as they didn’t meet during the Governors’ Cup eliminations being in different groups during the rejigged tournament.
Among the two teams, San Miguel is the squad that has a lot to play for, with the Beermen still on the bubble in the race for the quarterfinal seat as they sit at No. 8 with a 5-6 win-loss record.
TNT holds a 7-3 win-loss record, and is now in a share of second place with Eastern and Meralco in the race for the twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals, but head coach Chot Reyes said grabbing that incentive is the last thing in their minds.
“I think it’s very remote at this point,” said Reyes, referring to TNT grabbing the twice-to-beat advantage. “Because even if we win our last two games, which is not a certainty, we will tie most probably with NorthPort and Eastern to whom we both lost. So out kami in that situation. So right now, our fate is no longer in our hands.”
“The best thing we can do is just focus on what’s in front of us. And right now, that’s San Miguel on Sunday… We have no illusions about San Miguel at all. We know how strong that team is especially now that they are fighting for survival. So we have to be prepared for a real huge war on Sunday,” said Reyes.
Austria also expects tough game vs. TNT
San Miguel coach Leo Austria is also expecting a tough match against TNT, which is coming off a 2024 Governors’ Cup title. The Tropang Giga also routed Phoenix, 106-70, last Friday, enabling their top guys like Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Calvin Oftana, Roger Pogoy, and Jayson Castro to get some rest.
“One of the most important games for us to avoid any complications,” said Austria. “We have to win because contender for eighth place ‘yung Magnolia at NLEX. We will never know what will happen. That’s why we have to be ready on our game on Sunday.”
The Beermen will only have one full day of preparation for the contest against TNT after the crucial 116-113 win against Converge last Friday.
Austria is also banking on the strong start in the Converge game, hoping that it would also carry for the TNT match-up.
“Before the game (against Converge), I told them na I don’t want to elaborate the importance of the game. We have to be focus on our execution of our offense and defense and I’m so happy that we had a good start. Nasunod ‘yun.”
Juami Tiongson is fresh from a 22-point performance against San Miguel, with Malik Pope and June Mar Fajardo also churning in big games against Converge.
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