NLEX looks to clinch the No. 1 seed in the PBA 50th Season Commissioner's Cup quarterfinals, while TNT and Magnolia duke it out in a vital match with playoff implications to start the final week of the eliminations.
Here is a preview.
NLEX VS. TITAN ULTRA
When: Tuesday, May 5. 5:15 p.m.
Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Road Warriors seek No. 1 seed
NLEX faces Titan Ultra in its final game of the elimination round with the Road Warriors seeking to secure the No. 1 seed in the quarterfinals. The Road Warriors got in position for the top seed after beating Converge, 100-81, last Saturday.
PBA SCENARIOS: NLEX can still lose No. 1 seed to Meralco. Here's how
Giant Risers against playoff-bound foes
Titan Ultra (2-8) begins a tough week to close the elimination round on Tuesday. The also-ran Giant Risers go up against NLEX, and will be battling Rain or Shine as well on Friday.
Xyrus steps up
Xyrus Torres' playing time has lessened in the Commissioner's Cup. But last Saturday, Torres got the starting nod and made the most out of the 27 minutes that was given to him. Torres had eight points as he displayed his shooting prowess by making two out of three three-point attempts during NLEX's win over Converge.
TNT VS. MAGNOLIA
When: Tuesday, May 5. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Out to revive twice-to-beat bid
TNT looks to stay in the hunt for a twice-to-beat incentive on Tuesday when it faces Magnolia. The Tropang 5G will also look to get back to their winning ways after they lost in overtime to Phoenix Super LPG, 100-97, last Friday.
Hotshots begin difficult week
Magnolia looks for a strong finish this week, but faces tough foes in its bid to formally clinch a quarterfinal berth. The Hotshots also face Meralco on Sunday to wrap up the eliminations. With the Hotshots (5-5) tied with San Miguel and Terrafirma (4-6) still with a chance to make it to the quarterfinals, Magnolia is in a must-win situation. In its previous outing, Magnolia beat Titan Ultra, 135-98, last Wednesday.
Good ball movement
Magnolia won over Titan Ultra thanks to its good ball movement where the Hotshots had more assists, 37-16. Mark Barroca had a team-high seven assists, while Clint Chapman and Jerom Lastimosa each chipping in six assists in the win over the Giant Risers.
Local support
TNT was not a one-man show in its previous outing against Phoenix Super LPG, with four players scoring in double digits. Calvin Oftana led the way for the locals with 22 points, followed by RR Pogoy (17), Jayson Castro (11), and Glenn Khobuntin (11). Bol Bol, meanwhile, had 30 points and 20 rebounds. The Tropang 5G need that kind of balanced scoring against the Hotshots.
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