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[av_heading tag=’h3′ padding=’10’ heading=’TNT, Phoenix clash for last PH Cup q’finals seat’ color=” style=’blockquote modern-quote’ custom_font=” size=’30’ subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’18’ custom_class=” admin_preview_bg=” av-desktop-hide=” av-medium-hide=” av-small-hide=” av-mini-hide=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=”]
BY ADRIAN STEWART CO
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Sunday, March 4, 2018
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MANILA – TNT KaTropa and Phoenix Fuel Masters will face off in a knockout match for the last quarterfinals seat in the PBA Philippine Cup at 6:30 tonight at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
KaTropa forced the do-or-die encounter after scoring 101-75 over NLEX Road Warriors last Wednesday while Fuel Masters escaped GlobalPort Batang Pier 104-100 last Friday.
In their lone elimination round encounter on Feb. 7, Fuel Masters eked out a 74-72 win over KaTropa, with Doug Kramer completing his team’s fight-back from a double-digit deficit with a game-winner.
But much has changed since then for KaTropa, with the acquisition of Ilonggo guard Jericho Cruz, the return of Jeth Troy Rosario from injury, and the continued fine plays by Jayson Castro, Kelly Williams, Roger Pogoy, and RR Garcia.
“We’ve been struggling offensively this conference and that’s no secret,” said KaTropa head coach Nash Racela. “But our two week break has helped us to regain our shooting the last game and we hope to bring that here in the knockout round.”
The winner of the KaTropa-Fuel Masters encounter will battle top-seed San Miguel Beermen in the quarterfinals on Tuesday. Beermen – the defending champion – has a twice-to-beat advantage.
On the part of Fuel Masters, Matthew Wright, Negrense Jeffrei Chan, Angelo Alolino, Rafael Jazul, and William Wilson are expected to lead the offense to compensate for the continued absence of Bacolodnons Justin Chua and LA Revilla.
“At least we have another day to live. Sarado pa naman Boracay ngayon, wala pa kaming pagbabakasyunan,” Fuel Masters mentor Louie Alas said in jest. “We will just take it one game at a time.”/PN
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