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SERVICES
THE INQUIRER COMPANY
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04
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24
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2024
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SERVICES
THE INQUIRER COMPANY
04
24
2024
For a second time in three games, Tropang TNT will have to make do with its all-Filipino crew as it tangles with Globalport in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the MOA Arena in Pasay City Friday night.
The Tropang Texters will be import-less in their 7 p.m. duel with the Batang Pier as they’re still in search of a quality import to take over from Ivan Johnson.
“Pwede kang magparating ng import for stop-gap measure, meaning walang kasiguruhan na maayos at pwedeng tumagal buong conference. Ayaw naman namin ng ganoon. It’s not cost-effective to just bring in anybody coming all the way from the US,” said TNT coach Jong Uichico.
They’re finding it hard to sign an import who could approximate the talent of Johnson since it’s almost the deadline for trade or any player transaction in the NBA.
“Yun backup imports namin either na-sign up na or don’t want to get anywhere else, hoping to get a call from any NBA team. Yung iba eh asking us to wait for a week or two. So talagang medyo may kahirapan kumuha ng magaling na import sa panahon na ito,” Uichico explained.
Uichico said they’re hopeful they can compete with the Batang Pier even without an import.
“May tsansa kami kahit walang import, basta pukpok ang laro. The team’s spirit is still high, believing we have a legitimate chance,” said Uichico.
With Johnson serving an earlier one-game suspension, the Texters defied the odds and toppled the Blackwater Elite, 108-102, in Day One of the mid-season conference.
With Johnson ejected in the second quarter of their next game against Meralco, the Texters also put up a tough stand before barely succumbing at the finish, 84-88.
On Friday, the Texters will be up against Globalport side which also split its first two games, losing to Mahindra, 98-111, then bouncing back with an 89-85 conquest of Barangay Ginebra.
Terrence Romeo banged in two big treys down the stretch to cap a 19-point performance while Brian Williams piled up 19 points and 17 rebounds against Ginebra.
“I have to appreciate the effort of the guys on defense. In our first game, I read ‘no-defense’ being flashed on the giant screen. We played an excellent defense this time,” said Ginebra coach Pido Jarencio.
“It’s a total team effort but I also have to mention the performance of Brian Williams. He showed big improvement from his first game,” Jarencio also said.
The Batang Pier squandered a 15-point first-half lead but salvaged the game on Romeo’s crucial triple off LA Tenorio with 55.5 ticks to go.
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