TNT KaTropa aims for a third straight victory and a share of the lead when it takes on Phoenix Pulse Wednesday in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The KaTropa are determined to maintain their strong start and prevent the Fuel Masters from scoring another upset victory in their match set at 7 p.m.
Rookies CJ Perez and Robert Bolick meet for the first time since their impressive showing with Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA World Cup as Columbian and NorthPort collide in the 4:30 p.m. opener.
Former NBA player KJ McDaniels will look to continue his impressive showing that saw him produce an average of 39.0 points, 17.5 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.5 steals and 5.0 blocks in TNT’s wins over Blackwater and Rain or Shine.
But coach Bong Ravena and active consultant Mark Dickel are also stressing the need for locals Jayson Castro, Troy Rosario, RR Pogoy and Don Trollano to provide McDaniels the needed support in order to keep their good showing in the tournament.
Out to spoil TNT’s bid is Phoenix, which barged into the win column after escaping past Barangay Ginebra San Miguel 103-101 last Saturday.
Matthew Wright’s jumper with 5.1 seconds left sealed the victory as the Fuel Masters allowed the Kings to erase a nine-point deficit in the last two minutes.
The win ended Phoenix’s 0-2 start in the conference.
Fuel Masters resident import Eugene Phelps enters the contest with averages of 35.3 points, 17.7 rebounds and 6.0 assists.
Meanwhile, Perez and Bolick are out to put their teams back on track after dropping their previous assignments.
Columbian was denied of a 2-0 start last Sept. 22 when it fell 96-90 to Rain or Shine while NorthPort lost 96-80 to defending champion Magnolia last Friday.
Meanwhile, Rain or Shine has tapped the services of Kayel Locke as replacement for Joel Wright, who struggled after three games with the team.
Coach Caloy Garcia said Locke already joined practice and will be available for Friday’s game against Magnolia at the Mall of Asia Arena barring any hitches. (Jonas Terrado)
