Texters, Batang Pier dispute share of 2nd
TNT KaTropa and GlobalPort press their respective playoff bids as they mix it up in a crucial setto in their penultimate outings in the PBA Philippine Cup elimination round at the Cuneta Astrodome Wednesday
night.
The Texters and the Batang Pier dispute a share of second place with the Phoenix Fuel Masters at 6-4 as they clash at 7 p.m. in a matchup featuring an exciting side showdown between Gilas ace guards Jason
Castro and Terrence Romeo.
They currently share third spot with Alaska Milk and Rain or Shine, with TNT winning its most recent game against Mahindra while GlobalPort dropped its last assignment against breakaway tournament leader San Miguel Beer.
A win will virtually hand the winner a playoff berth with a shot at a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals. Thus, the Texters and the Batang Pier are likely to figure in an all-out battle.
TNT coach Nash Racela expressed hopes their headed in the right direction following a solid showing his troops put up in their 104-92 drubbing of the Mahindra Floodbuster on Jan. 18.
“I’m not so much satisfied with the game but on the effort of the players to find a way to deliver a positive outcome,” said Racela.
GlobalPort, meanwhile, is looking to bounce back from a 100-106 loss to San Miguel Beer where Romeo, the tournament scoring leader, was made to bleed for his points by the tough SMB defense.
And it became a lot tougher for the Batang Pier with Arwind Santos scoring a four-year personal high of 31 points and complementing well June Mar Fajardo’s yet another double-double game.
The Batang Pier, however, can well match up better with the Texters who are just of their size.
The Romeo-Stanley Pringle pair may even have the edge over Castro and Ryan Reyes. Then there’s veteran point guard Mike Cortez who is likely to be pitted with Kris Rosales.
Aaron Aban will surely be highly motivated taking on his former team. The ex-Letran Knight has been playing key role with GlobalPort.
The Texters, however, may have the advantage in the frontcourt with Ranidel de Ocampo, Kelly Williams, Troy Rosario and Moala Tautuaa pitted against Billy Mamaril, JR Quinahan, Papot Paredes and Mick Pennisi.
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