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TNT KaTropa puts its string of quarterfinal appearances on the line against an equally determined Phoenix Petroleum squad on Sunday in the PBA Philippine Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Texters haven’t missed the quarterfinals of the All-Filipino tournament since the 2007-2008 season, but the streak is under threat against the Fuel Masters, who are coming off a morale-boosting 104-100 victory over GlobalPort last Friday.
The Fuel Masters stunned the Texters, 74-72, in their lone meeting of the tournament, with Doug Kramer hitting the game-winning shot with eight seconds remaining on Feb. 8. Both teams finished with identical 5-6 records.
The winner gets to advance to the playoff but books a clash against powerhouse defending champion San Miguel Beer, which owns a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.
The Texters kept their bid alive for a playoff berth with a 101-75 conquest of NLEX Road Warriors on Wednesday with new acquisition Jericho Cruz sparkling with 17 points.
“We’ve been struggling offensively and that’s no secret,” said TNT coach Nash Racela. “Our team has no depth and the addition of Jericho gives us that extra guy who could give major minutes.”
Jayson Castro, RR Pogoy and Troy Rosario will team up for TNT against fellow Gilas Pilipinas mainstay and Phoenix star Matthew Wright, who had 32 points against GlobalPort.