Batang Pier, KaTropa clash for share of lead

MANILA, Philippines — NorthPort and TNT KaTropa clash in a duel of unbeaten teams, each determined to cop its third consecutive triumph and gain a share of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup lead today at the MOA Arena.

The Batang Pier, who have shown their capability to win without ace guard Stanley Pringle,  and the KaTropa, who are riding on the scoring exploits of import Terrence Jones, seek to sustain their charge in the 4:30 p.m. encounter where a tie with idle Blackwater (3-0) at the summit is at stake.

Alaska (1-2) and NLEX (0-2), meanwhile, look to break out of a two-game slump as they face off in the 7 p.m. main game.

Off to a hot start for the second straight conference, the NorthPort squad of coach Pido Jarencio wants to keep the fire burning this time. The Batang Pier opened the previous Philippine Cup at 2-0 but lost their next six matches and barely made the quarterfinals of the all-Pinoy tournament.

“We don’t want a repeat of that. We want better results,” said Jarencio.

NorthPort is expected to have Pringle back after a bout with a foot injury (bone spurs), giving added firepower to the gang of Sean Anthony, Mo Tautuaa, Robert Bolick and import Prince Ibeh in the showdown with the scoring machine Jones and the KaTropa.

Jones erupted for 41 and 43 points in his first two outings, leading TNT to victories over NLEX and Alaska.

“Even though he’s scoring that much, he’s involving us locals in offense,” said Jason Castro of their prized import. “At the same time, he’s very vocal on defense, clearly showing how much he wants to win.”

Meanwhile, Tony Mitchell is expected to see action for NLEX after failing to complete his documentation in time for their previous game against NorthPort last Saturday. The Road Warriors played all-Filipino that time and pushed the Batang Pier to the limit before conceding a 79-83 loss.