Tropang Giga, Bolts with chance to dispute first playoff berth

TNT defenders swarm Meralco import KJ McDaniels. –PBA IMAGES

The result of Wednesday’s second round meeting between NorthPort and Converge could determine if either TNT or Meralco will become the first team to secure a quarterfinal seat in the PBA Governors’ Cup.

TNT and Meralco are tied for the lead in Group A at 5-1 when they go at it once more on Thursday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium, with the winner possibly punching its way in the next phase of the season-opening conference.

That will happen if NorthPort ends up victorious over Converge in their game being played at press time also at the venue located inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

A defeat sends Converge to 2-6, which would pave the way for the quarters ticket at stake in the TNT-Meralco tussle.

“We have to understand it’s not going to be the same type of ballgame. We know it’s gonna be much, much harder,” said coach Chot Reyes ahead of the 5 p.m. game. The Tropang Giga walloped the Bolts in their first round showdown last Aug. 22.

Despite a rash of injuries, the Bolts have managed to put themselves in title contention, with their recent win coming at the expense of import-less Magnolia Hotshots, 82-74, in Panabo, Davao del Norte.

Go for Shabazz

Speaking of Magnolia, it has been given the go-signal to parade Shabazz Muhammad for the 7:30 p.m. nightcap against winless Terrafirma.

Muhammad could come out strutting his wares after being forced to sit out the out-of-town contest as he had yet to be given a Fiba clearance that time.

Terrafirma is looking to pull off an upset and end a 0-6 slate to sit at the bottom of the group.

Wednesday’s other match saw San Miguel Beer and NLEX, which announced earlier in the day that it had secured a proposed deal with Phoenix to acquire reliable forward Javee Mocon.

The deal is still being reviewed by the league, but the Road Warriors said they will send third-year big man Ato Ular and a second round draft pick in Season 51 for Mocon.

Phoenix is dealing Mocon, curiously, at the time the Fuel Masters are lagging in the cellar in Group B with the same winless slate as Terrafirma.

The Fuel Masters fell, 122-107, to Group B leader Rain or Shine Elasto Painters the previous day in what could be Mocon’s last game for the team.

Mocon has been with Phoenix since June 2022 when he was acquired from Rain or Shine for Nick Demusis and two future draft picks. INQ