By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Reporter
FRESH from their finals stint in the previous tournament, the TNT KaTropa make their Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup debut today, taking on the Kia Picanto at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Set for 4:15 p.m., the KaTropa, last seen on the court in Game Six of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals when they bowed to eventual champions San Miguel Beermen, begin their “bounce back” push with import Michael Craig bannering their campaign.
Later in the day in the main game at 7 p.m. is the clash between the Star Hotshots and Alaska Aces.
Already in town since last conference, TNT is hoping that the long gestation time with Mr. Craig, coupled with the lessons they learned from their championship loss, would fortify it in its bid in the season-ending PBA tournament.
The KaTropa, however, are to play sans key cogs Jayson Castro and RR Pogoy early in the Governors’ Cup, having been called up for national team duties with Gilas Pilipinas for the FIBA Asia Cup early next month.
Expected to take up the cudgels for TNT in the absence of some of its key players apart from import Craig are Troy Rosario, Ranidel De Ocampo, RR Garcia, Ryan Reyes, Anthony Semerad and Kelly Williams.
Out to spoil TNT’s debut is Kia, which has lost its first two games and is angling to finally break through in the win column.
The second loss of the Picanto was dealt by surprise league-leaders NLEX Road Warriors, 100-93, last Saturday.
Import Markeith Cummings had a double-double of 30 points and 15 rebounds while Glenn Khobuntin had 15 to lead Kia, which is now being handled by veteran coach Joe Lipa.
2-0 START
In the second game, Star goes for a 2-0 start in the Governors’ Cup against struggling Alaska.
The Hotshots were 103-86 victors in their tournament debut over Blackwater Elite with veteran PJ Simon taking charge with 20 points.
Import Cinmeon Bowers and Allein Maliksi chipped in 15 points each while Ian Sangalang finished with 14 for Star.
“We are happy with this win, especially how our locals stepped up, particularly PJ (Simon). His decision making was big for us today and hopefully he will be able to sustain that because he is an important piece of our team,” said Star coach Chito Victolero.
In a surprise move, however, Star will be parading a new import today in Malcolm Hill, replacing Mr. Bowers after just one game.
Mr. Hill played collegiate ball in Illinois, averaging 13.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.1 assists during his stay.
Alaska, for its part, is aching to get back on the winning track after losing 10 straight games, dating back to the Commissioner’s Cup.
In the ongoing Governors’ Cup, the Aces have yet to win in two games.
Import LaDontae Henton is pacing Alaska with 28.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 1.5 blocks.
Calvin Abueva has been good for a double-double of 10 points and 10.5 rebounds to go along with 3.5 assists and three blocks. He is expected to miss some time, however, because of national team duties.
