TNT, Meralco Bolts look to secure semifinals seats in PBA Philippine Cup

THE top-ranked TNT Tropang Giga will try to book its spot in the semifinals when it faces off against the reigning champions Barangay Ginebra Kings in the quarterfinals of the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup on Sept. 29 at the Don Honorio Ventura State University gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.

TNT has a twice-to-beat advantage over the injury-plagued Ginebra. Tip-off is set at 6 p.m. with the Tropang Giga looking for a repeat of its dominant 88-67 win over the Kings in its lone encounter in the elimination round.

Ginebra, though, will have their backs against the wall, with ace big man Japeth Aguilar already out for the season because of an MCL sprain, and versatile wingman Scottie Thompson still sitting out due to health and safety protocols. Still, The Kings have some momentum going for them after it defeated Phoenix, 95-85, in the playoff game for the last seat in the playoffs.

Meanwhile, the first game at 2 p.m. will see the second-seeded Meralco Bolts battle the NLEX Road Warriors, with the former holding a twice-to-beat advantage over the latter. Meralco prevailed over NLEX, 104-101, in its only clash in the elims.

That game saw rookie Calvin Oftana have himself a breakthrough game, as he scored 34 points, highlighted by eight makes from rainbow country that broke the league record for most threes in a game, previously held by the legendary Allan Caidic. (JNP)