February 13, 2018

TNT, GlobalPort fight for survival

If it were the last game of the elimination round, it would be a virtual knockout setto for the last playoff berth.

Neck and neck on the fringes of the Top Eight, TNT KaTropa and GlobalPort face off in a vital tiff in the homestretch of the PBA Philippine Cup eliminations at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday.

Both virtually fight for survival as they clash at 7 p.m. The Texters are nursing a 4-5 win-loss slate while the Batang Pier totter with a 3-4 card as they set out for the match.

"We need to break the losing streak. We have to find ways to win the next one. We don't really have a choice, but to focus on the next game," said TNT coach Nash Racela.

The Texters, losing semifinalists in this tourney last season, have found themselves in a precarious position after dropping their last two games to the Phoenix Fuel Masters (72-74) and to the Barangay Ginebra Kings (78-93).

Sponsored content:
They fight for dear life their last two games against GlobalPort and NLEX.

"Hopefully we win the next one and it could change (our fortunes for the better)," said Racela.

The Batang Pier have more elbow room to maneuver with four games left in their elims stint. They definitely can't afford to take further slide, though.

An inspiration for the team was their showing in their last two outings.

GlobalPort walloped Meralco, 107-88, then barely lost a 53-minute of virtual slugfest versus Alaska Milk, 98-105.

Sponsored content:
"Bodies were sprawling all over the floor. We took 39 free throws and we gave away 34, and there were some flagrant infractions. Coach Pido (Jarencio) got his players to play hard, and we got our players to play hard. I hope the fans appreciate our effort," said Alaska coach Alex Compton after they pulled through in the hard, well-fought game.

Jarencio hopes they can continue to play in a high level.

Jeric Teng is an addition to GlobalPort, signed up in the continued absence of Terrence Romeo.

Troy Rosario, meanwhile, remains a doubtful starter for TNT. (SB)