Assured of a quarterfinals passage, TNT KaTropa aren't about to relax as they now chase a higher goal - Top Two finish for a twice-to-beat bonus.
The KaTropa look to push their drive harder as they gun for a seventh straight win versus the Alaska Milk Aces in the PBA Governors Cup at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo Friday.
TNT coach Bong Ravena said they can't sit on their laurels especially against the Alaska side which has just got over the hump with a 78-71 drubbing of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters Sunday.
The Aces nailed the breakthrough win on a big return by Jeron Teng from an injury.
And Teng and his teammates are raring to get going as they need a strong finish in the elims to salvage a playoff berth.
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"I'm happy to get the monkey off our backs," said Jeffrey Cariaso, tasting a first win as Alaska Milk head coach. "Hopefully, we'll be able to sustain the effort."
Helpless with a hamstring injury in their first five games, Teng wasted no time to deliver the good in his return.
"It was a struggle for me seeing my teammates losing games and I couldn't do anything because I was sidelined with an injury. So I just want to really help them win," said Teng, who scored 18 points, including eight to help repel the gritty E-Painters.
It helped that the whole Alaska team took care of business.
But they may well need extra effort against the KaTropa, the only remaining unbeaten team whose morale is sky high with the level of game they're playing with import KJ McDaniels.
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From 19 points down the last time out, the KaTropa still found a way to win on a chase fueled by McDaniels.
The NBA veteran lit up the scoreboard with a 51-point explosion as TNT survived Meralco, 116-113.
"Everybody knew him before he arrived here. So he's just doing what's expected of him," said Meralco coach Norman Black of the prolific TNT import.(SB)
