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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider TNT eyes quick bounce back, quarters seat vs Phoenix

TNT eyes quick bounce back, quarters seat vs Phoenix

Published Jan 23, 2025 08:21 am

At A Glance

  • 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.

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.

PBA Images13 (69).jpg
 

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.

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