Defense will be the main focus of TNT KaTropa as it tries to stay unbeaten after five games against struggling NorthPort today in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome.
The KaTropa look to keep their hot streak going in the first game at 4:30 p.m. but are eager to avoid defensive lapses that almost cost them victories against the Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters and Columbian Dyip.
TNT scored an average of 124 points but gave up 119 points in the two games that both end up as five-point victories.
“Two games na kaming sobrang hindi gaanong kagandagan ang depensa namin,” said TNT guard Jayson Castro as quoted by PBA.ph. “Ang taas ng binigay naming score so kailangan naming mag-adjust pa sa defense namin.”
Castro, import KJ McDaniels, Roger Pogoy, Troy Rosario and Don Trollano are hoping to meet the expectations of coach Bong Ravena and active consultant Mark Dickel against the Batang Pier.
They know that the Batang Pier will be a tough customer despite struggling with a 1-3 record.
NorthPort won its opening assignment against Rain or Shine last Sept. 20 but fell to Magnolia (96-80), Columbian (114-108) and Blackwater (107-98), respectively.
Rain or Shine and Phoenix aim to improve their fortunes in the second game set at 7 p.m.
The Elasto Painters have lost two in a row for a 1-3 record while the Fuel Masters are already in panic mode with a 1-4 slate.
HISTORIC SWEEP
Meantime, Marinerong Pilipino goes for the historic sweep of the PBA D-League Foundation Cup and win its first-ever crown at the expense of BRT Sumisip Basilan-St. Clare in Game 2 of their best-of-three finals.
History is also at stake in the 1 p.m. match as the Skippers look to equal the dual feat of the NLEX Road Warriors who went perfect during their title runs in the 2012 and 2014 Foundation Cup.
Coach Yong Garcia, however, is far from convinced that it is safe to finally bring out the broom.
“Mahirap dahil talagang nakita naman natin na best effort din binibigay ng Basilan, maganda rin ang adjustment nila,” said Garcia.
Eloy Poligrates, John Villarias and Jhonard Clarito are expected to lead Marinero’s quest to get the 11-game sweep, but key will also be the performances of Rev Diputado, Santi Santillan and Will McAloney.
Diputado was the only player in double figures in Game 1 with 12 points while Santillan and McAloney were also key on both ends.
Standing in their Skippers’ way are the Saints, who plan to produce a better showing this time.
Crucial for coach Stevenson Tiu’s bid to force a deciding third game on Monday at the Paco Arena in Manila is center Mohammad Pare’s ability to avoid foul trouble.
Pare was forced to sit most of the first half due to two quick fouls. But the Malian big man sparked the second half rally that fell short due to costly turnovers.
Jhaps Bautista and Joshua Fontanilla will also be instrumental for Sumisip-St. Clare.
“Sabi naman namin, it’s not the end of the world at meron pa namang Game 2,” said Tiu. “We have to take it one game at a time and see what happens. Hopefully, baka sakali maka-isa kami.” (Jonas Terrado)
