The Talk ‘N Text KaTropa is scheduled for a head-to-head game against the Blackwater Elite at 4:30 P.M. on July 7, 2019 live from the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
The KaTropa are eyeing for their sixth straight victories and strengthen their winning momentum as they head on the playoffs while the Elite hopes to catch them at the top-two spot in the standings when the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup resume this afternoon at the Big Dome.
Despite of their great run this second conference, TNT head coach Bong Ravena wanted his boys to have that do-or-die mode each time they tackle their game schedule.
“Same mentality,” said Ravena. “Treat the game as a must-win. (Stay) locked in on defense, play hard and smart.”
Currently, the KaTropa holds the number one spot having an almost perfect slate at 8-1.
For the Elite on the other hand, they’re catching up the top-two spot train and hopes that their tonight’s opponent will lose their last two outings.
“We’re facing another tough team, another red-hot team, the No. 1 team in the league right now,” said Blackwater head coach Aris Dimaunahan.
“We’ll have a meeting kami again (ng staff) and siguro gagawa kami ng best gameplan for TNT,” Dimaunahan added.
After the departure of their original import Alex Stepheson, the Elite suffered back-to-back defeats but now it seems they have found the right reinforcement fit for their system.
Staphon Blair suited up with the squad in their last outing against the then streaking Magnolia Hotshots and though don’t have enough rest after he arrived in the Philippines still he was able to help his new team to get a win.
“I think meron pa kasi right now, may jet-lag pa siya, di pa siya gaanong nakakatulog. Hindi pa niya fully grasped ‘yung sistema naming,” said Dimaunahan.
“Pero iyun nga, kung magtutulong-tulong mga tao namin mas mapapadali ‘yung transition niya sa amin,” added Dimaunahan.
“I’m happy with the way he played tonight. Crucial iyung mga blocks and rebounds niya during the endgame.”