Bolts, Texters press bid

GPort, Dyip in KO duel

MANILA, Philippines — Meralco and TNT KaTropa resume their quest for a Top Two finish as they clash in a key matchup while GlobalPort and Columbian Dyip face off in a virtual knockout match in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tonight.

The Batang Pier and the Dyip both look to bounce back from their shattering losses Wednesday as they fight for a playoff spot at 4:30 p.m. The Bolts and the Texters then mix it up at 7 p.m. with both sides chasing a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals.

“It’s an important game for both teams. A win would place us one step closer to the twice-to-beat advantage. Our defense will be put to the test as TNT is the No. 1 offensive team in the league,” said Meralco coach Norman Black.

“Closing out on their shooters while also trying to control Josh Smith in the paint will be our biggest challenges,” Black added.

“Both teams need to win for the twice-to-beat advantage. We have to want it more than Meralco,” said TNT coach Nash Racela. 

With four straight wins, the Bolts are now tied with the Alaska Milk Aces at second with identical 7-2 slates. The Texters, meanwhile, dropped to fourth at 6-3 following back-to-back losses to Magnolia and San Miguel Beer.

Black and his chargers haven’t lost a game since being nosed out by the Magnolia Pambansang Manok Hotshots, 79-81, on May 18.

 The Bolts were superb in their 15-point conquest of the Aces the last time out. They’ve been particularly exceptional on defense as of late, limiting their last two opponents to an average of 74.5 points.