by Jonas Terrado
Games Today (Cuneta Astrodome)
4:30 p.m. – TNT KaTropa vs Columbian
7 p.m. – San Miguel vs Alaska
TNT KaTropa aims to stay hot and regain the solo lead in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup when it takes on the Columbian Dyip tonight at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Prolific import Terrence Jones is out to lead the KaTropa’s bid for a seventh win in eight games against the Dyip in first game set at 4:30 p.m.
Jones is out to continue his impressive showing in the tournament which saw him drop 49 points in TNT’s 104-91 rout of Meralco last Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The former NBA player is averaging 33.9 points, 15.1 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 2.4 blocks this conference, numbers that has made him the early contender for the Best Import award.
But Jones and the KaTropa are more concerned of keeping producing as many wins as possible in order to secure a top two finish and a twice-to-beat advantage in the playoffs.
The KaTropa of coach Bong Ravena and consultant Mark Dickel will also lean on Roger Pogoy, Troy Rosario, Don Trollano and Ryan Reyes while it is unsure if Jayson Castro will return to action after tying the knot over the weekend.
Columbian is in dire need of improving its 1-4 record, which is why rookie CJ Perez and import Lester Prosper will have to play their A-game in order to produce an upset win.
Meanwhile, San Miguel Beer tries to get back on track opposite Alaska in the second game which tips off at 7 p.m.
The Beermen are looking to recover from a 110-107 overtime loss to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel that dropped their win-loss card to 1-3.
Despite the setback, SMB believes the thrilling match will help them get their groove back after dealing with the hangover of winning last month’s Philippine Cup.
Import Charles Rhodes, June Mar Fajardo, Chris Ross, Alex Cabagnot and Marcio Lassiter lead the Beermen’s quest against the Aces.
Alaska is currently in fourth place at 4-3 but fell 78-76 to Phoenix Pulse last weekend on Justin Chua’s game-winner.
The Aces want more production from new import Nino Johnson, who failed to score in double figures during his debut but showed promise on the defensive end.
Vic Manuel, Chris Banchero and Jvee Casio are also expected to step up for coach Alex Compton.
