TNT and Converge cross paths once more in their second-round showdown primed to become an instant thriller in the PBA Governors' Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 8.

With their last meeting boiling down to the final seconds, both the Tropang Giga and the FiberXers are expecting nothing but a dogfight in the matchup that tips off at 7:30 p.m.

Setting the table for the marquee duel is another intriguing clash between a NorthPort team looking to arrest its two-game slide and the Terrafirma which, on the other hand, remained searching for a breakthrough at 5 p.m.

TNT is not only hoping to solidify its hold of the top spot in the Group A standings but has long been waiting to get a chance at revenge against Converge – the only team that put blemish to the Tropang Giga's record through the first round.

Converge prevailed over TNT, 96-95, with import Scotty Hopson draining a tough fadeaway four-pointer with four seconds left – a scenario that should have left Glenn Khobuntin, the defender on that last shot, and import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson with sleepless nights.

Hollis-Jefferson did a little bit of everything for TNT in their last meeting with 32 points, 15 rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks.

Hopson wound up exploding for 32 points, built on two quadruples in that match but Converge might need more from him this time, especially with big man Justin Arana still on a day-to-day basis due to an ankle injury.

The FiberXers, for one, since the victory against the Tropang Giga, have not won again and are currently on a two-game slide after losses to NorthPort and Meralco.

In contrast, TNT has won its last two games since losing to Converge and are now gunning for its third straight win and join Blackwater from Group B as one of the hottest teams on the league so far

Meanwhile, one lose streak is about to be broken in the opening game between the Batang Pier and the Dyip.

NorthPort, since Arvin Tolentino’s 51 point explosion against Converge, has lost two in a row while Terrafirma has not come out triumphant in its first five games, including a 112-93 setback over the Batang Pier.

Import Venky Jois and William Navarro are expected to return to the lineup for NorthPort after missing the last game due to their ankle injuries. 

Christian Standhardinger, on the other hand, vowed to be more active in leading the Dyip, along with import Antonio Hester and Stanley Pringle, especially since main man Juami Tiongson is no longer available for the rest of the season due to a partial hamstring tear.