TNT KaTropa shoots for semis vs Phoenix
Top seed TNT KaTropa vows not to leave anything to chance as it tackles eighth ranked Phoenix Petroleum in their quarterfinals matchup in the PBA Governors Cup at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo Saturday.
The Tropang Texters are eager to come out strong and keep the momentum of their dominant elims ride as they seek a return stint in the PBA Final Four after dismal showings in the last three conferences.
A win in the 5:15 p.m. setto automatically sends TNT to the semifinals versus the winner in the Meralco-Mahindra showdown.
As the lower seeded team, the Fuel Masters, on the other hand, need to win two in a row to squeeze into the
semis.
Jason Castro, a leading contender in the Best Player of the Conference race, said they’re leaving no stone unturned as they’re not taking the Fuel Masters lightly.
“We’ll do what we’ve been doing all tournament long – play hard,” said Castro.
The Texters are in their strongest surge in years as they enjoy topnotch performance from Castro, Ranidel
de Ocampo, Larry Fonacier, import Mychal Ammons and Asian reinforcement Michael Madanly.
This is the first time that they emerged playoff top seeds since the 2014 Governors Cup where they eventually finished third.
After winning the 2015 Governors Cup championship, the Texters skidded to 10th then a pair of sixth-place finishes in a sorry slump.
But the Texters are now looking well ready to redeem themselves. And Phoenix coach Ariel Vanguardia admits they’re facing an enormous challenge.
Vanguardia, however, said they would give it their best shot to compete with the Texters.
In their second conference in pro play, the Fuel Masters have had their achievements – first back-to-back wins, first three-game streak and a first quarterfinals stint.
Vanguardia is challenging his chargers to march on.
As in their win in their knockout match with Rain or Shine on Wednesday, Vanguardia is pinning his hopes on Eugene Phelps and veteran locals Cyrus Baguio, Willie Wilson and JC Intal.
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