TNT star Mikey Williams. –PBA IMAGES
TNT recorded yet another win in the PBA Governors’ Cup knockouts, extending its longest winning streak to five as Tropang Giga remained at the top of the table.
But injury to one of its key players could be a major concern going into the big clash with San Miguel Beer as RR Pogoy sprained his ankle in the second half of the previous 111-104 win. Meralco Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
However, coach Jojo Lastimosa doesn’t appear to be worried and is really looking forward to Sunday’s challenge to take down the Beermen.
“I’m looking forward to it,” Lastimosa said of a San Miguel team that played Barangay Ginebra in a nightcap. “I think it will be a big challenge knowing that San Miguel, the team is also playing well.
“We’ll be ready and I think the boys are ready,” he added.
His Tropang Giga was more than ready for the Bolts, who took a 22-point lead as TNT lifted its record to 7-1 while making Meralco its third loss in six games.
Mikey Williams picked up 25 points on the day he was picked by fans to play in next month’s All-Star Game in Passi City, Iloilo.
Great effort by RHJ
Calvin Oftana, also a first-time All-Star, played well to assist import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who had another strong game with 34 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists and 2 times stolen.
“I think we still have enough on our bench,” said Lastimosa after injuries to Pogoy and Jayson Castro, who also sprained their ankles but came back to finish with 16 points.
“Well, these guys know how to crush it, start back-to-back games. Thankfully, the boys are ready.
TNT takes on San Miguel on Sunday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City, with Pogoy’s status a key question mark ahead of the Fiba World Cup Qualifiers, where he is part of the Gilas Pilipinas team for home games. with Lebanon and Jordan.
Pogoy is considered a good candidate for a Gilas spot, but Lastimosa believes he can play against the Beermen and then answer the call to national service next week.
Lastimosa said: “It’s not so bad he can come back and I hope it’s not too serious.
Meralco lost their second game in a row and the Bolts are now drawing with Magnolia who are leading in sixth place.
KJ McDaniels’ 26 points and 15 rebounds failed to lift Bolts, who closed the gap to single digits in his dying moments.
Eight Kings
Barangay Ginebra’s popularity greatly influenced stellar players during its 47th season after eight Gin Kings were voted by fans to see action in the All-Star Game.
While Japeth Aguilar and Scottie Thompson, who will be responsible for forming their respective teams as the two who received the most votes, Jamie Malonzo, Christian Standhardinger, LA Tenorio and even Stanley Pringle are among the top performers. those expected, two Ginebra players were surprised to receive nods from the fans who participated. participate in the voting process.
Reserve rookie Jeremiah Gray and defensive pillar Nards Pinto broke into the top 24 after voting ended on February 15.
Coach Tim Cone will call the spearheads for one of the teams in the All-Star competition on March 12 after topping the count. He will be challenged by Rain or Shine’s Yeng Guiao, who comes in second.
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