TNT Katropa stakes its unbeaten slate against a dangerous Mahindra in the first game of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The league-leading Katropa (6-0) and the second-running Enforcer (5-2) clash at 4:15 p.m., to be followed by the tussle between NLEX (3-4) and Phoenix (2-4) at 7 in the evening.
TNT Katropa tries to inch closer for a spot in the top 4 to bag the twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinal stage.
“Malayo pa. We’re just trying to win as many games as we can,” said Katropa Head Coach Jong Uichico, whose team is coming off a 124-117 win over Phoenix, with Asian import Michael Madanly finally showing his offensive prowess with 30 points highlighted by eight triples.
Katropa’s other import, Mychal Ammons, who replaced Mario Little, had 22 points in his PBA debut.
They will be facing a confident Mahindra squad, which is also coming off a 97-88 victory over Blackwater to snap a two-game slide. The Enforcer are currently tied with San Miguel Beer and Barangay Ginebra at the No. 2 spot with identical 5-2 win-loss slates.
“The team is improving after the last two games’ mistakes,” Mahindra acting coach Chris Gavina said.
Meanwhile, the Road Warriors and the Fuel Masters go for the win that will put them back in the race for the quarterfinal slot. Both teams are coming off losses, with the Bolts yielding a 101-95 decision to Meralco on Wednesday despite a 38-point game from import Henry Walker.