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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Meralco, TNT clash for momentum

Meralco, TNT clash for momentum

Published May 10, 2025 04:11 pm

At A Glance

  • It's a clash between two champion teams going through similar fates so far as TNT and Meralco try to keep their momentum going following slow starts in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Sunday, May 11.
Expect Chris Newsome to carry the load anew for Meralco. (PBA Images)
Expect Chris Newsome to carry the load anew for Meralco. (PBA Images)

It's a clash between two champion teams going through similar fates so far as TNT and Meralco try to keep their momentum going following slow starts in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Sunday, May 11.

With both squads finally overcoming the losing skids to open the conference, the Bolts and the Tropang 5G tangle in the 7:30 p.m. affair with hopes of finally establishing their footing and going into a win streak halfway through their respective schedules.

A clash between San Miguel and Phoenix is set to provide the fitting appetizer at 5 p.m.

After winning the first two conferences this season, TNT was off to a bumpy start in the Philippine Cup by losing its first three games before finally getting its groove with back-to-back wins against San Miguel and Terrafirma.

Similarly,  reigning all-Filipino Cup champion Meralco slumped into a three-game skid after opening its title-retention bid with two victories, then finally regaining its winning ways with a come-from-behind 105-104 win over NorthPort.

Between the two teams, however, there's greater pressure on the part of the Bolts especially that they are in the middle of a compact schedule in the coming days to give way to their preparations for the Basketball Champions League Asia in June.

"We look at it also at the bright spot. At least, you know, you get your rhythm in. You know, there's a chance. There's four days. Maybe this one might be the hardest to stretch, because we have three games in five days," pointed out Meralco head coach Luigi Trillo.

Although Chris Newsome, Bong Quinto, Cliff Hodge and Aaron Black are expected to carry the load for the Bolts, Trillo is expecting his bench to step up to give the starters some relief during the busy stretch.

"New(some) today had 42 minutes. Cliff at 37. I'd like to see our bench also help our vets out. Because three games in five days is hard. But, you know, we welcome that. We're just being told we're going to be good soldiers," he added.

Out to lead the way for TNT, on the other hand, is RR Pogoy, Rey Nambatac and Calvin Oftana who seemingly has finally stepped up to the role of leader for his team that is missing Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Jayson Castro.

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