MANILA – After failing to clinch the twice-to-beat quarterfinals incentive, the TNT KaTropa is bracing for a possible matchup with San Miguel Beermen in the best-of-three quarterfinals on the 2019 Honda PBA Philippine Cup.
The KaTropa lost its chance for the incentive following an 83-109 defeat at the hands of NorthPort Batang Pier last Sunday that send them to a tie with the Beermen at fourth to fifth spot with 7-4 win-loss card.
“We have to be ready. Alam nyo naman ang San Miguel kailangan paghandaan. It’s not easy,” said Ilonggo Ferdinand “Bong” Ravena, who was the designated TNT coach even if it is New Zealander Mark Dickel calling the shots for the team.
“Sayang talaga (na hindi namin nakuha ang twice-to-beat) pero wala kang magagawa kung ganun klase ng laro namin (against NorthPort) hindi ka talaga mananalo,” he added. “Move on na lang.”
Aside from the anticipated encounter between the two powerhouse teams, this will also be the first time that Beermen guard Terrence Romeo will face his former team since being traded during the offseason.
Romeo, who was traded last December for Brian Heruela and David Semerad, was not around when KaTropa faced the Beermen during the elimination round, which was won by the former, due to an injury.
The KaTropa-Beermen best-of-three quarterfinals series will happen when Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings (6-3) sweep or split its last two elimination round matches against Meralco Bolts and Batang Pier.
If ever the Kings lose both its matches against the Bolts and Batang Pier, the KaTropa will move up as the no. 3 seed team while the Kings will instead face defending champion Beermen./PN
