TNT aims to stay unscathed, tests Phoenix

Games Friday (Smart Araneta Coliseum)

4:15 p.m. – TNT KaTropa vs Phoenix Petroleum

7 p.m. – Globalport vs San Miguel

MANILA, Philippines – TNT KaTropa, in its hottest start in a tourney in a long while, takes on Phoenix Petroleum Friday night, looking to keep its perfect run and close in on a playoff berth in the PBA Governors Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Even with a new import in Michal Ammons, the Texters sustained their bristling romp, nailing win No. 5 with a 109-89 whipping of the Blackwater Elite on Saturday.

With more practices with his teammates, Ammons could only be better as they go up against the Fuel Masters and import Eugene Phelps in their 4:15 p.m. tussle.

Phelps, an import sub to Marcus Simmons, has had his winning effort with the Fuel Masters as they topped the Mahindra Enforcers, 100-94, the last time out.

The Fuel Masters are determined to put up a good fight with the Texters in pursuit of a third win against the same number of losses.

San Miguel Beer and Globalport, two teams emerging victorious in the classic double double-overtime showdowns Sunday at the MOA Arena, square off in the day’s other game at 7 p.m.

The Beermen (4-1) push their own playoff aspiration versus the Globalport side which has just broken into the win-column with its Sunday triumph.

Globalport is setting out for the game with a new player in veteran free agent Sunday Salvacion, who takes over from Gab Banal.

San Miguel outlasted Barangay Ginebra, 111-105, in their double OT duel while Globalport survived Meralco, 126-123, in their own marathon 58-minute battle.

“We have a new system and we’ve done a lot of adjustments. Finally, it worked and hopefully it continues to work,” said Globalport coach Johnedel Cardel.

After their breakthrough win, the Batang Pier, however, have another tough job ahead versus the Beermen who are lot more dangerous now that top forward Arwind Santos is back in harness.

“I’m happy Arwind returned into action still in great condition coming from a long hiatus,” said SMB coach Leo Austria.

“Actually, all my players showed they’re in great shape. That’s the big key in our win against Ginebra,” Austria also said.