September 18, 2024

PBA: TNT, Meralco battle for outright quarterfinals berth

PBA: TNT, Meralco battle for outright quarterfinals berth
The last time the TNT Tropang Giga and Meralco Bolts met, the former prevailed, 93-73. | Photo (c) PBA

TNT Tropang Giga and Meralco Bolts meet for the second time in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup on Thursday, September 12, with a playoff berth on the line this time.

The winner in the 5pm clash at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium will claim an outright quarterfinals spot.

Currently, both the Tropang Giga and the Bolts sit atop Group A with identical 5-1 win-loss records.

They are also on a roll, with the Bolts looking to extend a sizzling four-game winning streak after dropping a lone game against, incidentally, TNT in the first round.

That is why coach Chot Reyes is making sure his wards, led by former Best Import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, is making sure TNT is at full strength before plunging into action.

“We know that it's going to be much, much harder so we need to be prepared,” said Reyes.

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Speaking of imports, the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots (3-3) will field a new reinforcement in Shabazz Muhammad when it tackles a beleaguered Terrafirma Dyip (0-6) in the main game at 7:30pm.

Muhammad was supposed to see action in the team’s 82-74 loss to Meralco but did not get the FIBA clearance in time for the out-of-town match at the Panabo Multi-Purpose Tourism, Cultural, and Sports Center.

Muhammad, an NBA veteran who last reinforced San Miguel Beermen in the PBA, replaces Glen Robinson III.

After suiting up for the Minnesota Timberwolves from 2013 to 2018, Muhammad now carries the daunting task of gifting the Hotshots a first championship since the 2018 Governors’ Cup.

[ALSO READ: PBA: Scotty Hopson bothered by leg issues, bares Converge coach Franco Atienza]

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