Unbeaten TNT, Phoenix clash; SMB eyes 2nd win
Games Today (AUF Gym powered by Smart 5G)
4 p.m. — TNT (3-0) vs Phoenix (2-0) 6:45 p.m. — Terrafirma (0-2) vs San Miguel (1-2)
TNT and Phoenix Super LPG collide in a battle of two unbeaten teams while defending champion San Miguel Beer tries to snap a two-game slide today in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center.
The Tropang Giga and Fuel Masters meet at 4 p.m. with the former seeking to stretch their perfect run to four games after coming off a lopsided victory over the Beermen 107-88 three days ago inside the bubble.
San MIguel, on the other hand, plays winless Terrafirma at 6:45 p.m. hoping to get back on track and overcome the loss of guard Terrence Romeo, who was ruled out for the rest of the season with a dislocated right shoulder.
Romeo left the bubble over the weekend after injuring his shoulder in a collision with TNT’s Ryan Reyes in Friday’s game.
TNT’s blowout of SMB came after a close win against Alaska (100-95) in the opener last Oct. 11 and an easy romp of Terrafirma (112-101) two days later behind RR Pogoy, Ray Parks Jr. and Poy Erram.
Troy Rosario and resident leader Jayson Castro have also been quietly productive for the Tropang Giga, who have so far lived up to their billing as one of the top contenders this season.
But coach Bong Ravena and active consultant Mark Dickel know full well that Phoenix will be a tough cookie to crumble after winning its first outings under interim coach Topex Robinson.
The Fuel Masters ripped the Meralco Bolts (116-98) and overcame NorthPort (110-105) behind Matthew Wright, Justin Chua and Jason Perkins.
Both wins should make Phoenix feel good while continuing to wait on the league to lift the indefinite suspension of Calvin Abueva.
Last week, Abueva had his pro license reinstated after meeting all requirements of the Games and Amusements Board.
But it remains a big question why the PBA has yet to decide on the matter, even if Abueva was able to fulfill all conditions.