TNT fights for dear life

by Jonas Terrado

Games Today (Smart Araneta Coliseum)
4:30 p.m. – Blackwater vs Phoenix
6:45 p.m. – Ginebra vs TNT KaTropa

It will be TNT KaTropa’s turn to try and stave off elimination when it battles defending champion Barangay Ginebra San Miguel today in the conclusion of the PBA Governors’ Cup eliminations at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The KaTropa are desperate to secure an upset win in the 6:45 p.m. as a loss could may force them to go on an vacation depending on the result of last night’s match between the Meralco Bolts and the San Miguel Beermen.

Meralco and San Miguel were playing their Petron Saturday Special affair at the Big Dome at presstime.

TNT and Meralco are tied at presstime with identical 4-6 slates. The two teams could force a playoff for the final quarters berth on Tuesday if both teams pull off similar results in their final elimination round matches.

But TNT will enter the match having lost back-to-back games to San Miguel and Magnolia, which is why to team led by coach Bong Ravena and consultant Mark Dickel will have to play as if there’s no tomorrow.

Ginebra, carrying a league-best 8-2 record, is already assured of a twice-to-beat advantage and will be aiming for the top seed in the playoffs with a victory.

Coach Tim Cone, however, said the focus will on seeing his Kings in top form entering the crucial stages of the season-ending conference.

Blackwater and Phoenix meet in another important game at 4:30 p.m., the winner claiming the fourth and final twice-to-beat incentive in the quarters.

The two teams own similar 7-3 records and are eyeing their first quarterfinal bonus in franchise history.

Blackwater, though, is looking to snap a two-game skid while Phoenix is coming off a 103-97 win over Rain or Shine last Oct. 24 at the Cuneta Astrodome.

The result of both games will also play a role in the final seedings of the top six teams in the quarters.

Ginebra and Magnolia could either go No. 1 or No. 2, Alaska is already assured of finishing third and San Miguel may go as high as fifth.