Games today:
(Ynares Center-Antipolo)
5:15 p.m. — Blackwater vs Rain or Shine
7:30 p.m. — TNT vs Titan Ultra
TNT is out to start a winning streak and a solo hold of the early lead when it takes on slumping Titan Ultra in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Philippine Cup today at the Ynares Center-Antipolo.
Still hot off a 110-103 bounce-back win over Converge last Saturday in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, the Tropang 5G look to capitalize on their momentum to add more woes to the skidding Giant Risers in their 7:30 p.m. tussle.
TNT is currently in a four-team logjam at the leaderboard with the FiberXers, Magnolia and NLEX with identical 2-1 win-loss slates.
Head coach Chot Reyes will again bank on his top guards RR Pogoy, who waxed-hot with 27 points last game, and Rey Nambatac, whose two four-balls and pair of free throws highlighted the crucial closing run of Tropang 5G’s win over the FiberXers, to lead the way.
Kelly Williams, Calvin Oftana, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and Kevin Ferrer are also expected to deliver the goods to blast Titan Ultra, which will still be without its energizer Calvin Abueva.
With Abueva out for at least a month due to a hamstring injury, the Giant Risers need to find a new sparkplug to arrest a two-game slide following a rousing debut.
Titan Ultra suffered a 92-129 loss to Converge, where Abueva sustained his injury, before absorbing a 119-127 defeat to Magnolia last week.
Joshua Munzon will need more support from his teammates for the Giant Risers to have a fighting chance against TNT.
Meanwhile, Rain or Shine and Blackwater cross paths at 5:15 p.m. with the same mission of getting back on the winning track.
Both squads are coming off stinging losses and sport even 1-1 slates.
The Elasto Painters need to regain their touch after going 29-of-92 from the field, including a paltry 9-of-48 from beyond the arc, in a 93-111 loss to defending champion San Miguel Beer last Sunday.
Rain or Shine should expect better performances from Adrian Nocum, Caelan Tiongson, Gian Mamuyac and Stanley Pringle, who debuted with 11 points and four assists last game.
On the other hand, Bossing seek to rebound from a 96-105 loss to Meralco last week.