Both teams insist they have long ways to go, needing to improve on so many things.
But wherever they are in terms of competitive form, a battle is expected as the TNT Tropang Texters and the Star Hotshots collide in a marquee matchup in the Smart Bro PBA Philippine Cup at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City Saturday.
The Texters seek a third straight win while the Star Hotshots gun for a first successive triumphs under coach Jason Webb as they play at 5 p.m.in a second road game in the tourney presented by Petron Blaze.
TNT is currently at 2-1 while Star is right behind at 2-2.
“It never gets easier in this league. We’ve got to be a little more patient on the offensive end while being more aggressive on the defensive end,” said Webb.
They’re barely back on the winning track, escaping with a 97-95 win over NLEX Sunday on a mental lapse by the Road Warriors in the closing seconds.
Three days later, TNT made good use of its 11-day break to improve its chemistry, blasting Meralco, 105-91.
The Tropang Texters were in a hurry to show what they achieved in their breather, pulling away early at 33-17 behind their largest output in a quarter this season.
With a better bonding among the old TNT core and prized draft acquisitions Moala Tautuaa and Troy Rosario, the Texters clobbered the Bolts all throughout the contest in chalking up a second straight win following a losing season debut against the Alaska Milk Aces.
“We did a pretty good job playing better than our previous games. There’s always something to correct but generally, we really had a good game,” said TNT coach Jong Uichico.
Webb and Uichico said their guys certainly have to be on their toes in the Lucena match. (SB)
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