TNT Seeks Second Win in a Row; Geneva vs humble NorthPort

TNT and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel look to complete a back-to-back schedule with victories ahead of their big showdown when they face separate opponents on Wednesday at the PBA Philippines Cup at the University of Angeles Foundation Sports and Cultural Center.

Tropang Giga is wary of the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok in their 4 p.m. game as the Kings look to take advantage of the heartbroken NorthPort Batang Pier in the final of another four-game bill at 6:45 p.m.

Rain or Shine expects to stay in second place against upset NLEX at 10 a.m., while Meralco tries to stay within the playoff picture at 1 p.m. against a Blackwater team suffering from an overtime loss to San Miguel. Beer during lunch on Tuesday.

Emerging victorious in the latter part of their back-to-back will give TNT and Geneva a boost before they meet on Friday in a possible preview of the final.

Both rallied Tuesday with TNT hitting NorthPort, 112-87, and Geneva coming back from the 13th to defeat Alaska 87-81 in the cup.

TNT won after NLEX broke their 5-0 start last Thursday, while Geneva suffered two consecutive setbacks following four consecutive victories to open the campaign inside the bubble known as Smart Clark Giga City.

Ray Parks Jr., Roger Pogoy and Troy Rosario are expected to play a significant role, while it will be interesting to see if Jayson Castro will record big minutes after a cameo against NorthPort, given the opposition TNT faces.

Magnolia has a 2-4 score, but was responsible for handing Geneva its first loss on October 25.

Geneva, meanwhile, are looking to gain ground in the standings and boost their confidence with a win over NorthPort.

TNT is the first of a difficult stretch for Geneva, as it will also face San Miguel Beer on Sunday.

Rain or Shine isn’t taking NLEX lightly despite coming in second at 4-1. The Elasto Painters will also play the first of a back-to-back as they face the Bolts on Thursday.

Meralco needs a win over Blackwater, which lost 90-88 to SMB in the PBA’s first morning game on Tuesday, to increase its chances of finally reaching the playoffs in the all-Filipino tournament.