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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider TNT looks to catch last bus to playoffs vs Phoenix

TNT looks to catch last bus to playoffs vs Phoenix

Published Jan 14, 2024 04:15 am

At A Glance

  • TNT aims to catch the last bus to the playoffs when it tangles against Phoenix in the final day of the eliminations of the 2023-'24 PBA Commissioner's Cup at the PhilSports Arena on Sunday, Jan. 14.
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TNT aims to catch the last bus to the playoffs when it tangles against Phoenix in the final day of the eliminations of the 2023-’24 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the PhilSports Arena on Sunday, Jan. 14.

 

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Following the loss of NLEX to Barangay Ginebra, the Tropang Giga can now punch a ticket to the playoffs if they win against the Fuel Masters in the 6:15 p.m. match.

Serving as a curtain raiser to the critical showdown is the clash between Rain or Shine and also-ran Converge at 3 p.m.

Sitting at the seventh spot with a 4-6 record, TNT is hoping to snap out of its funk and end the elimination on the right track. The Tropang Giga are currently in a three-game losing slide which puts their place in the playoff picture hanging in the balance.

NLEX, after winning its last two games, was actually on a mad chase for a playoff spot, hoping to beat TNT out for the eighth spot or at least force a knockout match for the last quarters seat.

All is not lost, however for the Road Warriors but their playoff fates are no longer on their hands after losing to the Kings.

The only thing the Tropang Giga need to do is to win the game and claim the outright playoff spot while also eliminating NLEX out of contention

A loss, however, could complicate things for TNT especially that in such a scenario, it would end up tied with NLEX at the eighth to ninth spots with similar 4-7 records. That would forge a knockout match for the last playoff seat.

Import Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson along with star forward Calvin Oftana should be pulling all the stops needed to help TNT pick up the crucial win especially against a very potent Phoenix crew.

Johnathan Williams is expected to lead the charge for the Fuel Masters who are looking to tie their best elimination finish of 9-2 when they pick up a win against the Tropang Giga. More than that, a win could solidify their place as the second seed while a loss could drag them to as low as the No. 4 spot.

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