TNT eyes for its third straight win when it barrles sister team Meralco in the main game of the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup on Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Both teams clash at 7:30 p.m. Serving as appetizer for the day is Terrafirma, which eyes a share of second spot (3-1) when it tangles with unpredictable Magnolia (1-3) at 5:15 p.m.
Leading the Tropang 5G’s bid is NBA veteran Bol Bol, who averages 37.3 points, tops among imports who played multiple games this conference, along with a fifth-best 16.3 rebounds.
TNT also has a number of gunners to surround Bol, led by comebacking veteran Jayson Castro, Rey Nambatac, Jordan Heading, Roger Pogoy, Calvin Oftana, along with Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser.
Both squads are known for their focus on defense.
With Bol and Jones standing at seven feet and up, the two imports will provide the towering presence inside.
Marvin Jones averages 21.3 points and 13.5 rebounds for Meralco, but can expect help from Chris Newsome, Chris Banchero, Bong Quinto, CJ Cansino and rookie Jason Brickman.
Meanwhile, Terrafirma tries to get back on the winning track against Magnolia following its 133-105 shellacking at the hands of Phoenix before the Holy Week break.
The 28-point beating ended Terrafirma’s strong 3-0 start, which ties the franchise’s best start.
Import Ali Mubashar will also redeem himself after being held down to just 13 points on 4-of-13 shooting from the floor in the loss to Phoenix.
The Dyip will be contending with a Hotshots side that broke into the win column recently following their 121-109 victory against winless Macau.
New import Clint Chapman was superb in his PBA debut after erupting for 39 points and 15 rebounds, bringing in the big man’s game Magnolia lacked in its 0-3 start with previous reinforcement Nuni Omot.
“We need to get the right mix, the right pieces in the puzzle in our team,” Tenorio said.