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TNT Tropang Giga and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel face off in one of the most anticipated matches of the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup eliminations on Friday at the Angeles University Foundation gym in Pampanga.
At stake is not only solo leadership, but also pride between two top-tier teams that have dominated it for much of the league’s 45 seasons.
Roger Pogoy, one of the Tropang Giga’s top gunners, expects a tough fight in the 6:45 pm showdown, especially with the Gin Kings coming off impressive back-to-back wins against Alaska (87-81) and Northport (112-100). ). .
“This is a difficult match against Geneva, so we really have to seriously prepare. The important thing is that we are ready, ”the former Far Eastern University swingman told BusinessMirror.
Pogoy, who is averaging 19.8 points and 5.5 rebounds in eight games, encouraged his teammates to double down against a team that has a lot of energy coming from players like Stanley Pringle, Japeth Aguilar and Earl Scottie Thompson.
“I sacrifice a lot here for my family. We have to try and try harder, that’s the basis for winning. Last time we lacked energy, “added Pogoy, referring to his 92-102 loss to Magnolia last Wednesday.
TNT and Geneva have similar 6-2 win-loss records.
TNT head coach Bong Ravena agrees with Pogoy’s observation.
“We need to cover everyone, especially Pringle, LA Tenorio, Aguilar and Thompson,” Ravena said. “We cannot let go of Coach Tim Cone’s plan, just like we respect other teams and coaches, we really respect Geneva.”
Ravena said they should play smart from start to finish.
“You cannot take anything for granted if you face a team like Geneva. You have to control the game from start to finish, ”said Ravena, who will feature Bobby Ray Parks Jr., Jeth Troy Rosario and Jayson Castro.
For Gin Kings Grand Slam coach Cone, winning his seventh game – and his third straight game – isn’t that easy, particularly against TNT.
“We have to put a lot of pressure on Tropang Giga’s offensive running game,” Cone said.
“It will be a contrast of styles, and it will depend on who can best execute their style that will determine the game,” he said. “TNT has a lot of weapons that we have to account for, so there will be a lot of pressure on our defensive execution.”
Pringle has been incredible for Geneva inside Clark’s bubble with averages of 19.6 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists in eight games.
“Stanley has been playing absolutely great, but so have many others: Scottie, Japeth, Aljon [Mariano], Jeff [Chan], The prince [Caperal] and more, ”Cone said. “We are proud that we are not a one-man team. Sure, Stanley’s teammates really appreciate him, but Stanley really appreciates his teammates. “
