TNT continues its search for a breakthrough when it takes on a struggling but dangerous Phoenix side in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup at the brand new Ynares Center Montalban in Rizal Friday, May 2.

The conference began with a ton of expectation and promise for Tropang 5G after they claimed the first two titles of the season but they have surprisingly opened the all-Filipino conference limping after being held winless through two games.

And for gunner RR Pogoy, the recent struggles is only about the team finding their footing in a life without the luxury of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who, time and again, delived and spared them blushes.

“Honestly, galing kami sa dalawang conferences na nandun si Rondae, so talagang nag-aadjust din kami,” said Pogoy

“Lalo na sa depensa. Talagang nandun kaagad si Rondae sa ilalim. Tsaka lahat ng rebound kinukuha ni Rondae, di ba?”,” he added.

The Tropang 5G get another chance at proving that they can win without their super import in the contest against the Fuel Masters slated at 7:30 p.m.

Raising the curtain to that clash is a duel between NLEX and Blackwater at 5 p.m.

Though obviously the more experienced team, TNT cannot sit on its laurels against Phoenix especially that it has been shown that the Fuel Masters are capable of toppling contenders when their lone win came at the expense of defending champion Meralco.

Expected to lead the way for TNT aside from Pogoy are Calvin Oftana, Rey Nambatac and Poy Erram.

Phoenix, on the other hand, despite their three losses, has been getting promising contributions from its team particularly from rookie Kai Ballungay.

The 22-year-old forward is averaging a double-double of 20.25 points and 12.5 rebounds which should give the Fuel Masters another point of attack to help Tyler Tio, Jayson Perkins, Ricci Rivero and Ken Tuffin.