The TNT Tropang Giga is scheduled for a head-to-head game against the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters at 3:45 PM on November 18, 2020, live from the AUF Sports Arena and Cultural Center in Angeles City, Pampanga.
After respectively repulsing the Alaska Aces, 104-83, and the Magnolia Hotshots, 89-88, in the PBA bubble quarterfinals, the TNT Tropang Giga and the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters are set to face each other in the semifinals.
In the third quarter, TNT pulled away from the Aces after outscoring them, 33-15, to break a 51-all tie and open an 84-66 lead entering the fourth period.
RR Pogoy finished with 34 points on 9-of-15 shooting, eight rebounds, four assists, and three steals for the Bong Ravena-coached team.
Meanwhile, Matthew Wright won it for Phoenix after drilling a running triple with 9.8 seconds to go and the shot clock winding down. Wright ended up with 32 points on 9-of-18 shooting, five rebounds, nine assists, and one steal.
Jason Perkins chipped in 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting, six rebounds, three assists, and one steal.
Meanwhile, Alex Mallari blocked the seventh-seeded Magnolia’s attempt to force sudden death. Mallari’s tough defense forced Paul Lee to take a step back jumper that only bounced off the rim before time expired.
Having considered their campaign as already “overachieving,” first-time head coach Robinson is simply telling his team to enjoy the ride.
In the post-game press conference last Saturday, Phoenix head coach Topex Robinson said: “At this point, we’re just happy to be here. The more we play the best teams, just like Matthew [Wright] said, the better it is for us.”
Rather than busying themselves in comparing their performance against other teams, Robinson said his squad is simply focused on one goal: to better themselves as long as they possibly can.
“We’re always gonna be the best versions of ourselves. [And] we’re gonna take our chances against Talk ‘n Text… we’re just happy campers,” Robinson added.
For his part, TNT head coach Bong Ravena said: “We have to go out and get it.”