Team Blackwater (ESPN photo courtesy)
Blackwater and TNT are eager to conclude the PBA On Tour with a victory as they face off on the final day of the exhibition series at the Ynares Center in Pasig.
In the 5 p.m. match, Blackwater, under the guidance of new coach Jeff Cariaso, aims to secure a win against the Bolts. A victory would allow them to finish tied with the Bolts at 7-4, but Blackwater would claim the third spot overall due to their previous triumph over the Bolts with a score of 89-82 on July 14.
Cariaso, who recently completed his pre-scheduled coaching clinics, will be calling the shots for Blackwater for just the second time since joining the team.
Despite their recent 131-108 loss to Rain or Shine, Blackwater is determined to go all out for a win against a depleted TNT side. The Tropang Giga have struggled, only managing one win in 10 games as they chose to rest veterans Jayson Castro, Mikey Williams, and Kelly Williams, while Poy Erram, Roger Pogoyo, and Calvin Oftana were loaned to Gilas.
In the main game at 7:30 p.m., Barangay Ginebra and NLEX will clash, both aiming to secure a win and secure a top 6 finish in the PBA On Tour.
Barangay Ginebra has performed remarkably well in the exhibition series, despite the absence of head coach Tim Cone, Scottie Thompson, Jamie Malonzo, Japeth Aguilar, Stanley Pringle, and Christian Standhardinger during the preseason campaign.
These players were away with Gilas, training for the 2023 FIBA World Cup in August, while Pringle and Standhardinger took a much-needed break after a grueling 2022-23 PBA season.
Heading into the match, both squads hold an even 5-5 record, making the game highly competitive and crucial for their final standings.
(AI/MNM)
