SMART Clark Giga City -- TNT Tropang Giga returns from its lone defeat thus far while NorthPort comes from its solitary win as they clash in one of the featured matches in the initial quadruple bill in the PBA Philippine Cup bubble play resumption at the Smart 5G-powered AUF Sports Arena in Angeles, Pampanga.
TNT's first crack at an outright quarterfinals entry was foiled by NLEX, 98-109, just before the league ordered the play stoppage in compliance with the IATF's call pending issuance of new health and safety protocols inside the bubble.
NorthPort, meanwhile, finally chalked up a first win, repulsing Tierrafirma, 107-96, before the play suspension.
Like the rest of the PBA teams, the Tropang Giga and the Batang Pier are faced with a killer schedule in the tournament restart.
Their 4 p.m. tussle kicks off back-to-back games or first of three games in four days for both. For TNT, it's actually four games in five days.
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The Tropang Giga need one win to punch a ticket to the playoffs. But of course, coach Bong Ravena and his troops desire a strong finish for a place in the Top Four that will give them a twice-to-beat advantage in the playoffs.
The Batang Pier, meanwhile, are resolved to make a run to salvage a place in the top eight. They're currently at 11th with one win in five outings.
Coach Pido Jarencio believes is not yet late.
The break may even serve the Batang Pier in good stead, possibly allowing the injury-hit Sean Anthony to catch up and get to play against the Tropang Giga.
He's hit by a sprained ankle in their 88-102 loss to the NLEX Road Warriors on Oct. 21.
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Minus Anthony, the Road Warriors banked on a crucial three-point binge of Renzo Subido and Kelly Nabong to repel the Dyip.
"We can't go down 0-5 and we gotta come out with energy and aggressiveness, and that's what we did," said Nabong.
They would surely need all that against TNT. (SB)
