NLEX is out to close the elimination round with a win that could officially give the team the top seed heading to the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup playoffs.
The Road Warriors collide with the Titan Ultra Giant Risers in their 5:15 p.m. match on Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The 7:30 p.m. main game features TNT and Magnolia where both teams are fighting for their respective playoff destinies.
The Road Warriors enter the game with a 9-2 record, hoping that their victories recently, including a narrow 92-90 escape act to hand the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters their first loss last week, could augur well heading to the playoffs.
As for TNT, winning has to happen now if it still entertains hopes of barging into the ultra tight top 4.
The Tropang 5G are tied with Phoenix Fuel Masters at fifth to sixth spots with similar 6-4 records.
TNT hopes to beat Magnolia, followed by Ginebra at the end of the elims next Sunday to possibly secure top 4 finish where each of the four best squads can secure twice-to-beat incentives for the playoffs.
Bol Bol will be at the forefront once more for TNT, though local stars led by Calvin Oftana and Roger Pogoy, Jayson Castro, along with Jordan Heading must deliver, as well.
TNT faces a veteran laden Magnolia side, which enters the game tied for seventh to eight spots with San Miguel Beer at 5-5.
“We have to be prepared to beat somebody twice,” TNT coach Chot Reyes said. “Our mindset is already there to be ready to beat somebody twice.”
In the other hand, Magnolia can’t afford to lose this one, knowing that dropping this one against TNT would only mean the Hotshots won’t be in control anymore of their playoff destiny. RICHARD DY
