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SERVICES
THE INQUIRER COMPANY
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04
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26
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2024
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SERVICES
THE INQUIRER COMPANY
04
26
2024
They may already have booked tickets for the next round, but a ton of work still awaits both GlobalPort and TNT.
Like Friday, when the streaking Batang Pier and on-and-off Tropang Texters collide in the Smart Bro-PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Game time is 4 p.m.
GlobalPort is aiming to clinch fourth-running spot that a fifth straight win would entail, but must do so against a TNT team which also wants to solidify its own bid for a top six finish at the end of the 11-game eliminations.
In the first stage of the quarterfinals, the third- to sixth-ranked teams will enjoy a twice-to-beat advantage over their rivals from the lower half of the 10 qualifiers and the Texters could be relegated to that if they lose to the Batang Pier and to Ginebra on Sunday.
That explains why both protagonists intend to go all-out.
“TNT is a strong team. We have to play our A-game tomorrow,” said Batang Pier coach Pido Jarencio.
“It’s a must win for us,” stated Texters coach Jong Uichico.
According to its latest trend, a win is in the offing for TNT, which has gone 2-3 in its last five games, its last defeat an 84-97 setback to San Miguel Beer last Saturday.
The Texters’ struggles are in stark contrast to GlobalPort’s run, which started with a blowout win over Blackwater and close decisions against NLEX, Meralco and Mahindra, the last via a 118-116 overtime triumph.
Like what they’ve been doing all conference long, Terrence Romeo and Stanley Pringle are expected to lead the Batang Pier while the Texters would lean most on Jayson Castro and rookies Moala Tautuaa and Troy Rosario. (NC)
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