by Jonas Terrado
Games Saturday (Smart Araneta Coliseum)
4:30 p.m. – TNT KaTropa vs Meralco
6:45 p.m. – Alaska vs Phoenix Pulse
Roger Pogoy, import Terrence Jones and TNT KaTropa aims to keep its hot streak going when it battles Meralco in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The KaTropa, coming off massive win defending champion Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, shoot for their sixth victory in seven games and a virtual quarterfinals berth in the Petron Blaze Saturday Special affair at 4:30 p.m.
Pogoy became the fourth local in history to hit 10 three-pointers en route to a career-high 40 points as TNT came back to frustrate Ginebra, 104-96, last Wednesday.
His performance came as Jones showed another side of his game by dishing out 16 assists, veering away from his usual 40-point numbers.
TNT can further enhance its status as one of the top teams of the tournament with a win over a Meralco side which will parade a new import in Jimmie Lee Taylor.
Taylor’s previously played for Sioux Falls in the NBA G-League, Panionios in Greece and Spójnia Stargard in Poland.
He replaces Gani Lawal, who despite 28.5 points and 22.0 rebounds was having difficulty trying to involve his local teammates.
Also making an import change is Alaska, which has tapped the services of 26-year-old Nino Johnson opposite struggling Phoenix Pulse at 6:45 p.m.
Johnson replaces 35-year-old Chris Daniels as the Aces hope to improve on their 3-2 record.
Phoenix welcomes back coach Louie Alas, who served a two-game suspension for taking part in an altercation against TNT almost two weeks ago.
