FOR the TNT Tropang Giga, their top two seeding would mean nothing if they're not able to handle their next task
And even with a twice-to-beat advantage, the Tropa aren't to take things lightly, realistic they have to do their job to get past No. 7 Eastern.
"It doesn't matter whether it's twice-to-beat or best-of-three, you still face a tough opponent," said coach Chot Reyes, calling on his players to be prepared and be ready for battle in their PBA Commissioner's Cup quarterfinals matchup with the Eastern dribblers.
They take their first of two cracks at the semifinals versus the foreign rivals at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Reyes wants his troops be reminded of their 84-105 blowout suffered at the hands of the Hong Kong warriors in their elims tussle.
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But it's just TNT's first game after its title run in the Governors' Cup. And they're obviously still saddled by the championship hangover when they reeled to a 95-100 loss to the NorthPort Batang Pier in their next game.
Reminded of their duty after that, the Tropang Giga rediscovered their championship form and won seven of their next eight games to climb to second spot and thus secure a win-once bonus in the quarterfinals.
Meanwhile, Eastern, from a 5-1 start, sputtered to a 7-5 finish and thus found itself pitted versus No. 2 TNT in a Last-8 face-off.
Being in their position now, TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson said they have to play hard and execute, pointing out to his teammates that they're not just playing for themselves but for a lot of people, their children and their respective families included.
And that has been RHJ's message to his teammates, resonating from their flat 0-2 conference start.
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"It's important to give yourselves a chance," said Reyes with good response from his players.
And the Tropang Giga are determined to march on and take care of business versus Eastern. If they do, RHJ and his teammates will advance to the semis opposite the winner of the Converge-Rain or Shine collision.(SB)
