The TNT Tropang Giga will look to strike while they’re hot, having just won their first game in the PBA on Tour. Meanwhile, the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel is back hunting for a win again after failing to do so in the last two outings.
Catch this game live on Friday, July 21at 7:30 pm, Manila time.
TNT Tropang Giga (1-7)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: Brian Heruela
- SG: Paul Varilla
- SF: Carl Bryan Cruz
- PF: Glenn Khobuntin
- C: Dave Marcelo
The Tropang Giga have finally tasted victory again. After losing seven games in a row to start their PBA on Tour campaign, the Tropang Giga ended their skid last Wednesday by defeating the Phoenix LPG Fuel Masters, 96-88. Glenn Khobuntin once again led TNT with 21 points, while the team also got a big lift from Almond Vosotros, who tossed in 16 points coming off the bench.
With newfound momentum, the Tropang Giga can pounce on a seemingly disjointed Ginebra squad that is on a two-game losing skid. The Tropang Giga also got a boost from the return of veteran guard Brian Heruela, who scored just three points in the Phoenix game but had eight rebounds and four assists. After shaking off the rusts and shooting 1/7 in that contest, Heruela could find his shot at last this Friday versus a careening Ginebra side.
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel (4-5)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: John Pinto
- SG: Jeremiah Gray
- SF: Von Pessumal
- PF: Aljon Mariano
- C: Raymond Aguilar
Ginebra enters this game hoping to end its slump. The Barangay lost to the Meralco Bolts on July 5, 106-94, before absorbing a 123-95 defeat at the hands of the Converge FiberXers last Sunday, 123-95. Obviously, the Barangay’s defense has been a huge issue for the team of late, as they are letting opponents get past through them like they’re a broken turnstile.
However, there’s reason to believe that the Barangay won’t get torched as much on defense this Friday. For one, the Tropang Giga are the lowest-scoring team in the PBA on Tour. TNT is averaging just 86.13 points per game on 39 percent shooting from the field. That’s music to the ears for Ginebra, which is averaging 93.22 points per outing. Jeremiah Gra, who had 17 points against Converge, is pacing Ginebra with 15 PPG.
PREDICTION:
Spread: TNT (-5.0) covers the spread.
Over/Under: The total (196.0) hits the Over.
