PBA

Grudge match in the PBA

January 18, 2025 Robert Andaya 139 views

EXPECT an all-out battle between arch rivals TNT Tropang Giga and Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings in the PBA Commissioner’ s Cup at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

The Tropang Giga and the Gin Kings clash in the mainer of another explosive doubleheader at 7:30 p.m., following the 5 p.m.,l opener

featuring guest team Hong Kong Eastern against the still winless Terrafirma Dyip at 5 p.m.

The TNT-Ginebra match comes two months after their hard-fought PBA Governors’ Cup title showdown.

“Huge game for us but the one thing I’m sure of is if we play this way on Friday we cannot win it. We have to play a lot better. So the problem is we have one day off and they’re going be pretty well rested coming into tomorrow,” said coach Chot Reyes.

“But that’s a good challenge. It’s a good challenge for us to have. Like I said , I never sell these boys or these players short. They always get up and they always fight for in the tough games.” he added.

Reyes also noted that Ginebra is a different team now with Troy Rosario and Jamie Malonzo back in the lineup after being sidelined by injury.

“Going to be very different. That’s a much better and highly upgraded Ginebra team. But like i said, this team we know how to put our head downs and grind it out and put in the work,” Reyes said

Last Wednesday, the Tropang Giga recorded their fifth straight victory with a 94-87 win over the NLEX Road Warriors at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate, Manila.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson led the Tropang Giga despite a rough shooting night, finishing with 23 points on 7-of-25 shooting, along with 14 rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks in nearly 44 minutes of play.

RR Pogoy contributed 18 points, while Calvin Oftana added 14 points and eight rebounds to help the Tropang Giga improve their record to 5-2 after starting the season 0-2.

The Tropang Giga also got eight points each from JP Erram and Kim Auri.

Mike Watkins led the losing effort for the Road Warriors with a monster double-double performance of 33 points on 13-of-23 shooting, 20 rebounds and four blocks in 43 minutes of play for coach Jong Uichico.

The Road Warriors dropped to 3-6.

Meanwhile, the crowd favorite Gin Kings are well-rested after defeating the Blackwater Bossing, 86-63, last Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

Justin Brownlee and RJ Abarrientos spearheaded the Gin Kings’ balance scoring attack, finishing 18 and 15 points, respectively for coach Tim Cone.

Brownlee also tallied seven rebounds and four assists in 39 minutes.

The scores:
TNT (94) — Hollis-Jefferson 23, Pogoy 18, Oftana 14, Erram 8, Aurin 8, Castro 6, Razon 6, Nambatac 5, Galinato 2, K.Williams 2, Khobuntin 2, Heruela 0
NLEX (87) — Watkins 33, Alas 16, Torres 7, Policarpio 6, Mocon 6, Herndon 6, Bolick 4, Valdez 4, Rodger 3, Ramirez 2, Fajardo 0, Nieto 0

Quarterscores: 24-19, 39-39, 67-63, 94-87.

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