The top-seed TNT Tropang Giga is looking to keep their spot as the Governor’s Cup playoffs near. Can they hold on?

Catch the game this Sunday, September 22, at 5:00 PM.

TNT Tropang Giga (7-2)

Starting five:

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

TNT had its five-game winning streak snapped on Thursday, by last-placed and winless Terrafirma of all teams, 84-72. But, of course, it’s all good overall as the Tropang Giga have one of the best records in the conference. They had some leeway to coast.

Sunday should feature a return to form if the guys want to keep their spot. As always, import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson will be the main man. He had his imprint all over the floor in their 101-95 win over Northport last August 21st, posting 32 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, four steals, and four blocked shots. It was right what TNT needed too as RR Pogoy and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, among other key players, were sidelined that night. Such isn’t the case Sunday, so RHJ won’t be burdened to do a ton of things.

Calvin Oftana had a tough day at the office in the Terra loss, so he’ll be back with a vengeance. The same goes with Pogoy, BGR, Rey Nambatac, and veteran floor general Jason Castro. They’ll be very driven to gain some rhythm back.

Northport Batang Pier (3-6)

Projected starting five:

• Jio Jalalon
• Joshua Munzon
• Arvin Tolentino
• Will Navarro
• Cade Flores

Northport has dropped four-consecutive games. They played All-Filipino for the second time in this conference this past Friday, and were easily dispatched by the Magnolia Hotshots, 110-94. 

It doesn’t look like the Batang Pier front office is going to replace Venky Jois, who tore his ACL about a week ago, so perhaps the vacation-bound Northport will remain without an import.

Either way, Arvin Tolentino will be carrying the load as per usual. He’s one of the most prolific locals over the past year or so, and we’ll keep seeing him get buckets, albeit in an afterthought franchise. He had 23 points and eight rebounds vs. TNT last month, and look for him to be on that same range Sunday.

Big man Cade Flores and Will Navarro will be aiding Tolentino. Both have made their presence felt in spurts in the Governor’s Cup. Playmakers Joshua Munzon and Jio Jalalon should be there to provide facilitating, hustle, and all-around guard play. 

PICKS:

Spread: TNT (-12.5)

Over/Under: Over (193.5)