TNT KaTropa faces surging Phoenix
TNT KaTropa takes its turn testing the mettle of resurgent Phoenix in a PBA Governors Cup game that means so much for the protagonists today at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Defending champion San Miguel Beer also expects to have its hands full when it duels with GlobalPort in the nightcap.
The Beermen are eyeing to at least keep their second-running position but must be wary of any ambush laid out by the Batang Pier, who are on a high after scoring a breakthrough 126-123 double overtime win over Meralco last Sunday.
The opener should equally be a humdinger since TNT is looking to stretch its unbeaten run to six, which most observers say is enough to secure at least a tie for one of the eight quarterfinals slots.
Phoenix has won back-to-back games after opening up the tournament with three straight losses, however, and should prove to be a tough nut to crack.
Even Texters coach Jong Uichico thinks so.
“They are a different team now with their new import,” noted Uichico, referring to the Fuel Masters’ Eugene Phelps, who came in as replacement for Marcus Simmons and so far unbeaten in his first PBA stint thus far.
The Texters themselves have paraded a new import in Mychal Lemar Ammons, who came in for the injured Mario Little and promptly notched 18 points and as many rebounds in a 109-89 win over Blackwater last Saturday.
Uichico believes Ammons can do more than his initial numbers suggest. “We’re trying to feeling out Ammons and he was trying to feel us out also,” he said of the former South Alabama standout’s debut.
“Maybe with more time with us, to know the system and his teammates more, he’ll give us what we need, lalo na sa defense and rebounds… especially sa rebounds.”
“I think Ammons fits them perfectly because they have plenty of scorers,” said Phoenix’s Ariel Vanguardia.
Rebounding is one of the areas where Phelps comes in as he averages 18.5 boards a game and is coming off a 21-rebound performance, to go with 23 points, in the Fuel Masters’ come-from-behind 100-94 win over Mahindra last Friday.
It is not just Phelps who should nag at TNT, however, as the likes of Cyrus Baguio, Korean Lee Gwan-Hee, John and Willy Wilson and Simon Enciso have taken turns chipping in their share.
“We have to defend them very well,” said Uichico.
Vanguardia has the same sentiment, especially since his charges have to also contain the likes of Jayson Castro, Ranidel de Ocampo, Michael Madanly, Troy Rosario and Ryan Reyes.
“It will take a collective effort to compete with a powerhouse team like Talk N Text,” stressed Vanguardia.
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
