Games Wednesday
(Araneta Coliseum)
3 p.m. – TNT vs NorthPort
6 p.m. – San Miguel vs Rain or Shine
By REYNALD MAGALLON
San Miguel Beer and TNT are bracing for tougher games heading into the second half of their elimination campaigns starting with Wednesday’s showdown against their respective foes in PBA Philippine Cup’s return to the Araneta Coliseum.
The Tropang Giga tangle with the Northport Batang Pier in the opening game at 3 p.m. while the Beermen collide against another struggling in the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the main event at 6 p.m.
Both coaches of the two proud franchises – coach Leo Austria for SMB and coach Chot Reyes of TNT – preached how crucial for their crews to collect as many wins they can in their next assignments if they wish to contend for the top two spots which will merit twice-to-beat advantages in the quarterfinals.
“The second half of the elimination is very important kasi we don’t know who will be the No.1 or no.2 after the elimination of course ang target namin is to get in the top 2. But if you will see the standing talagang magulo pa, isang panalo mo pwede ka umakyat isang talo mo pwede ka bumaba,” said Austria, whose Beermen, now boasting a 4-1 record, once again gun for a solo lead after it after a defeat to Ginebra.
On the other hand, Reyes, whose Tropang Giga have played the most number of games so far in the tournament, also aims to keep its three-game win streak going heading to the final stretch of their compressed schedule before taking a much-deserved break.
“We have four games left, we have to get as many wins as we can and then we’re going to get a two week break. I think while other teams are still playing, we’re going to get a break. Hopefully we can use that break to have our injured core recover,” said Reyes.
However, both of their squads will be facing oppositions desperate to end their losing streaks and stay in contention for a playoff spot.
Hoping to arrest a three-game slide against TNT is NorthPort which is coming off a 97-87 loss to Meralco.
The Batang Pier main guns Robert Bolick, Arwind Santos and Jamie Malonzo had their shining moments for the team this season but will need to play on the same page in order to convert a victory against a peaking Tropang Giga who has been leaning on the splendid games from RR Pogoy and Mikey Williams the past few games.
Rain or Shine, on the other hand, also hopes to find the right combination between its veterans and young talents to halt its own four-game slide.
The E-Painters were close to doing that in their 89-85 overtime loss to TNT last Thursday but certainly will need more against a hot shooting SMB crew led by CJ Perez and Jericho Cruz.
