TNT renews its rivalry against Barangay Ginebra, but this time, in the PBA 49th Season Philippine Cup on Sunday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Tropang 5G will look to repeat their mastery over the Gin Kings, their last match-up being in Game 7 of the Commissioner’s Cup last March 28, winning in overtime, 87-83, and moving one conference title shy of capturing a Grand Slam.
READ: Chot says Jordan Heading still day-to-day, doubtful vs Ginebra
When asked if he expects a finals-like atmosphere, TNT coach Chot Reyes said: “That’s a good way to put it.”
“It’s going to be really tough game. Ginebra had a great game the last time against Magnolia,” he added.
TNT tied Barangay Ginebra in the win-loss mark on Friday after the Tropang 5G beat Blackwater, 108-82. The two teams are in the middle of the hunt for the fourth and final twice-to-beat incentive, making this game more than just a finals rematch.
The tricky part for TNT? It only has one full day to prepare for the finals rematch.
Fortunately for TNT, it was able to spread the minutes of the players with no one playing more than 30 minutes.
Simon Enciso topscored for TNT with 19 points in 18 minutes of action, with second-stringer Kim Aurin as the player who had the biggest chunk of minutes with 29.
That hopes to help the Tropang 5G’s chances of winning the ballgame over the Gin Kings.
“We’ve been in this position before,” said Reyes, referring to the one-day break. “Luckily, we were able to rest a lot of the guys. We played Simon (Enciso) less than 20 minutes, everybody else in the low 20s.”
“Hopefully, we will have enough legs for a run against Ginebra so that we can compete on Sunday.”
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