SIBLING RIVALRIES AGAIN? TNT, Meralco eye short route to semis

TNT and Meralco both are eyeing a short route to the semifinals against their respective foes in the 2023 PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, March 22.

The top seed Tropang Giga look to carry over their eight-game winning streak in the elimination to the playoffs when it clashes against the eighth spot Phoenix Fuel Masters in the opening game at 3 p.m.

The Bolts, on the other hand, take on a dangerous Magnolia Timplados Hotshots in the second game at 5:45 p.m.

If TNT and Meralco prevail, they will face each other in the semis. It’s also a case of sibling rivalry in the other semis pairing with crowd-favorite Ginebra going up against San Miguel Beer.

Though armed with a twice-tobeat advantage, TNT head coach Jojo Lastimosa refused to become complacent knowing full well that Phoenix, despite its standings, remain capable of pulling off surprise and force a rubber match.

“That’s the grand plan. But for me, personally, we have to be also prepared for anything. Kumbaga, hope for the best, prepare for the worst,” said Lastimosa stressing the importance for the Tropang Giga to not let the Fuel Masters gain confidence and momentum.

Expected to lead the way for TNT is Best Import frontrunner Rondae Hollis-jefferson who has been undefeated so far in the conference ever since taking over from former import Jalen Hudson.

Aiding the NBA caliber import is a deadly supporting cast led by RR Pogoy and Calvin Oftana, two TNT players in the Top 5 of the Best Player of the Conference race along with guys like Mikey Williams and Jayson Castro.

Phoenix, meanwhile, is surely not lacking in talent with the likes of Encho Serrano and Tyler Tio leading the charge along with import Du’vaughn Maxwell and veterans RJ Jazul and Jayson Perkins.

Meanwhile in the second game, the brewing rivalry between the Bolts and the Hotshots is also about to reach its boiling point as another grind out affair is expected to be seen between the two teams.

Meralco, though, should have the advantage by virtue of its twice-to-beat edge but head coach Norman Black would want to avoid further complication and finish Magnolia off right on the first game.

Much of the task will be on import KJ Mcdaniel’s shoulder although a lot are also expected from the likes of Aaron Black, Chris Newsome , Allein Maliksi and Raymond Almazan.