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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
TNT Katropa tries to keep pace with Mahindra while Alaska Milk seeks to forge a heavy logjam at second place as they square off in the 2016 PBA Governors Cup elimination round at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City Friday.
The Texters go for a third straight win following back-to-back grind-out triumphs over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and the Meralco Bolts while the Aces eye a follow-up on an overtime victory over the Barangay Ginebra Kings the last time out.
The Texters and the Aces are expected to figure in another close match in their 7 p.m. tiff.
It’s a duel of teams that opted to bring in a new import in the tourney. Both reinforcements are off to a winning start in the local pro league.
Mario Little, a last-minute import sub, acquitted with the TNT locals right away, helping the Texters in a 101-98 victory over the Elasto Painters then a 98-95 decision over the Bolts. He averaged 16 points and 11 rebounds in those games.
Syrian import Michael Madanly was also a factor, averaging 15 markers, 3.0 boards and 1.5 assists in those games.
Key local performers, as expected, were Jayson Castro, Moala Tautuaa and Ranidel de Ocampo, making up for the absence of Troy Rosario.
Alaska import Ladontae Henton has had more solid numbers with 31.0 ppg and 10.5 rpg, shining through in their 109-100 overtime victory over Barangay Ginebra.
Henton and the Aces hope to get going, setting their sights for a second straight win that will force a multiple tie at second with TNT, Ginebra, Meralco and San Miguel at 2-1.
Also in chase of a piece of second place are Rain or Shine and Blackwater who clash in the day’s other game.
“Knowing we lost our first one, I came here to help this team win and I wasn’t able to do that. I came in and tried to be more focused, did everything I could for my team to win,” said Henton after their win over the Gin Kings before a huge crowd at the Big Dome.
“It was great. I love the atmosphere. The college atmosphere in America is really great so I love playing in an atmosphere like that. I wish it’s like that every game,” he said.
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