TNT targets incentive

Jarencio back on northport bench

MANILA, Philippines — League-leading TNT Tropang Giga gun for the coveted quarterfinal incentive today when they duel with streaking NorthPort in the 46th PBA Philippine Cup at the Don Honorio Ventura State U Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.

The Tropang Giga have met their initial goal of making the playoffs by reaching eight wins in nine outings last week, and the mission now shifts to clinching the Top 2 seeding and the win-once bonus against a lower-ranked opponent in the Last-8

Coach Chot Reyes said the Tropang Giga are approaching the 3 p.m. tussle with the same mentality that carried them in previous outings.

“We want to make sure we’re better in this game compared to the last game,” said Reyes, whose charges waylaid Barangay Ginebra last Sunday, 88-67.

TNT takes on a NorthPort crew (4-3) that’s on a three-game roll. The Batang Pier also look to draw inspiration from the return of coach Pido Jarencio from his bout with COVID-19.

“Ang gandang welcome back sa akin, TNT agad,” said Jarencio, who missed the Batang Pier’s last three matches while completing his quarantine in accordance with the league’s health and safety protocols.  “Pero ganun talaga. For sure, naka-focus naman ang players and ready kami.”

NorthPort did well while Jarencio and his assistants were away, racking up wins over Blackwater, Terrafirma and NLEX to soar to sixth spot.

“Mabigat ang TNT pero basta magtuloy-tuloy lang ang magandang laro ng mga bata, mas gaganda ang chances namin,” said Jarencio, who may have to work with a reduced ceiling with Greg Slaughter doubtful due to “bacterial infection.”

Embattled defending champion Barangay Ginebra, which is lurking at No. 9 with a 3-5 slate, tries to start making its big move in the 6 p.m. main game against Phoenix (4-5).

Meanwhile, Meralco and Alaska see action again after sitting out last week’s hostilities due to health guidelines. The second-running Bolts (5-2) battle Terrafirma tomorrow while the Aces (2-4) take the court Friday against Ginebra.