Two hot teams meet, as the Talk N’ Text Tropang Giga and Converge FiberXers have won three and four consecutive games, respectively.

Catch the game tomorrow, at 5:00 PM.

TNT Tropang Giga (3-2)

Projected starting five:

  • Rey Nambatac
  • Glenn Khobuntin
  • RR Pogoy
  • Rondae Hollis-Jefferson
  • Calvin Oftana

After opening the conference with back-to-back losses, TNT extended its winning streak to three this past Tuesday with a close, 101-99 win over sister team, Meralco Bolts. Import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and top local Calvin Oftana led the way as per usual, as each scored 24 points.

The 1-2 punch of Hollis-Jefferson and Oftana will continue to power the Tropang Giga, who are now aiming to get back on top of the standings. As we’ve seen time and again, both are capable of lighting up defenses any day of the week.

The second-tier guys are serviceable as well, mainstays Jayson Castro, Poy Erram and RR Pogoy, and new breed Glenn Khobuntin and Rey Nambatac, among others. They collectively provide offensive and defensive presence.

Statistically, TNT is even-stevens in five games thus far, as it scores and allows an identical 98.4 points per game in the conference. It’ll be interesting how well they’ll break through either area.

Advertisement

Converge FiberXers (6-2)

Projected starting five:

  • Alec Stockton
  • Kevin Racal
  • Jordan Heading
  • Cheick Diallo
  • Justine Baltazar

The FiberXers continue their great run in the Commissioner’s cup. They are averaging 104.7 PPG over their last four games (all wins), and only surrender 97 in return. With Saturday being the team’s first game since Christmas Day, however, we’re about to see if rust will play a factor.

Nevertheless, Jordan Heading and import Cheick Diallo are the counter to TNT’s tough forward tandem. Heading posted 30 points, six rebounds, and eight assists on 9-of-14 shooting in their previous victory, while Diallo powered through for a man-sized double-double of 24 points and 19 boards. Such is a trend, and it’ll be a fun clash vs. a similarly talented frontcourt.

Speedy playmaker Alec Stockton and heralded top overall pick Justine Baltazar, who is likewise crashing the boards and scoring in the interior, will provide reliable support, and they could very well be a focal point of the gameplan.

In any case, while being able to keep up offensively is key, the defensive scheme around RHJ will play an integral part.

PICKS:

Spread: TNT (-2.5)

Over/Under: Over (202.5)

Advertisement