The quarterfinals of the PBA Governors’ Cup begin with the clash of TNT vs NLEX

Games on Wednesday
(Ninoy Aquino Stadium)
5pm – TNT vs NLEX (Final Game 1)
7:30 pm – Magnolia vs Rain or Shine (Quarterfinal Game 1)

GIVEN differrent format in play PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup, the top-seeded team Group A’s TNT and Rain or Shine (ROS) For Group B they do not enjoy the usual incentive of winning once in a quarterfinner circle.

Instead, defending champion Tropang Giga and Elasto Painters are tied with their rivals – Group B No. 4 NLEX and Group A No.

Therefore, without the old built-in advantage, starting the game in Wednesday’s Last-8 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium is doubly important for the two teams that excelled in the previous double robin pool game.

TNT scores 1-0 against the Road Warriors at 5 pm and ROS is looking for the same when they face the Hotshots at 7:30 pm.

“We knew from the start that this would be the format (three games a week, race to three series) and my job is to bring a team that is ready and sharp as possible at this stage. in the qualifiers,” said Tropang Giga coach, Chot Reyes.

In addition to the tight schedule, the headache that will be caused by NLEX, led by Robert Bolick and the import of DeQuan Jones, the biggest concern for Mr.’s staff. .

“They will give us a lot of problems. They have Berto and they have very good imported goods,” commented Mr. Reyes, who will also be matched with veteran mentor Jong Uichico.

The Road Warriors showed their resilience in the midst of adversity in coming out of a four-game skid and swept their closing games of the elims, 104-79 over Phoenix and 103-99 (overtime) over Barangay Ginebra, to catch the bus the last one going to the playoffs.

“The good thing about this team is that even if we lose games, we don’t start arguing or complaining. We just stick together as a team. That is a good team culture that we are trying to play,” said Mr. Uichico.

Tropang Giga relied heavily on solid defense in the group stage, allowing their opponents just 87 points – the gold standard in the tournament. But Mr. Reyes emphasized that they have to do better than their conference shooting – which is 40% lower with high numbers now.

“Our offensive ability should start in the playoffs while at the same time maintaining our defensive intensity. Our defense is what got us going when our offense has been struggling. So we have to keep that and improve the offense.

“But one thing is certain: what has brought us here will not take us to another level. So we must now focus on reaching the next level if we want to go deeper in the playoffs,” said Mr. Reyes. – Olmin Leyba