TNT looks to regain its footing and remain in the hunt for the Top 2 spots when it takes on fellow playoff-chasing Phoenix in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Friday, Jan. 24.

The Tropang Giga saw their six-game winning streak get snapped by the also-ran Terrafirma Dyip, derailing what looked like a swift passage toward the playoffs after holding the top spot for a good two weeks.

TNT slid from first to fifth spot after the defeat and the entire team should be eager to get back on the winning track in the 5:00 p.m. affair against Phoenix.

Following suit is an equally crucial 7:30 p.m. match between Converge, another Top 2 seeking team, and San Miguel, a squad that is in search of form and consistency to hold on to its No. 8 spot in the standings

TNT actually had the chance to not only formally book its spot in the quarterfinals but also to further solidify its hold of the twice-to-beat bonus if not for the surprising loss to Terrafirma.

For one, prior to the match, the Dyip were entering on a 12-game losing skid since last conference and had not won a single game through its first 11 contests this conference.

But even the 41-point explosion of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson was not enough to help TNT survive a Mark Nonoy-led attack from Terrafirma which led by as many as 31 points.

A silver lining that TNT could bring heading into the game against Phoenix was its fourth quarter eruption where it managed to outscore Terrafirma, 38-18. 

But like against the Dyip, the Fuel Masters, whose backs are against the wall, pose a dangerous threat to Tropang Giga.

Phoenix is virtually out of contention for a spot in the playoffs even if everything goes to its favor where it improves to a 4-8 record and Blackwater, Magnolia, San Miguel and NLEX all stay at four-win mark.

For them to survive, the team needs to have a favorable quotient to at least get a shot for a playoff at the eighth spot.

But even with nothing but pride on the line, the Fuel Masters are surely giving their all against TNT especially with high-scoring import Donovan Smith leading the charge, along with local stars Jason Perkin and Tyler Tio.