It will be Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s turn to face NLEX in Dubai while TNT KaTropa travels to Antipolo City with a chance to stay unbeaten Saturday in the PBA Governors’ Cup.
Ginebra tries to take advantage of fatigue NLEX may encounter in its match the other night and win their 6 p.m. local time (10 p.m. Manila time) duel at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.
Back home, TNT aims to remain on top of the standings against dangerous Columbian in their 6:45 p.m. affair at the Ynares Center.
The opening match of the Petron Saturday Special doubleheader in Antipolo pits struggling NorthPort and winless Blackwater at 4:30 p.m.
NLEX hopes to stay perfect by the time it faces Ginebra after battling San Miguel Beer at presstime to kick off the league’s return to the emirate after a four-year wait.
Coach Yeng Guiao is bracing for a fierce battle with Ginebra, which suffered a 103-101 loss to Phoenix Pulse exactly a week ago at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“Natalo pa naman yung Ginebra, patay kami. Dun kami babawian nung mga yun,” Guiao said before the Road Warriors left for Dubai.
Meanwhile, defense will be TNT’s main focus when it faces a Columbian side that won two of its first three games.
The KaTropa improved to 3-0 with a 123-118 defeat of Phoenix last Wednesday but coach Bong Ravena said their defensive showing left plenty to be desired.
Columbian is keen on capitalizing on any defensive lapses by TNT and produce its best start since coach Johnedel Cardel took over last year.
Rookie CJ Perez enters the game averaging 25.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.0 steals.
