AFTER sweeping the season's two import-reinforced tourneys, the TNT Tropang 5G are of no illusion that they're going to get an easy ride to complete a historic Triple Crown.
Minus Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, coach Chot Reyes troops got off to a scrambling start and suffered a 74-91 beatdown at the hands of the NLEX Road Warriors on Wednesday.
And another tough assignment is in store for Calvin Oftana and his teammates as they tangle with the Converge FiberXers in their second game in PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.
But this won't stop the Tropang 5G from trying to prove their worth.
"People are saying that, you know, the only reason why we're winning all these championships is because of Rondae. Yes, that's true, but all this talk has to stop and that these guys are still capable of winning without Rondae," team manager Jojo Lastimosa had said before the start of the tourney.
Sponsored content:
"And this is something that they have to prove. They need to come together and talk about it like 'hey, you know we have to show that we can win without Rondae' and this is the biggest opportunity for them to show (that)."
With a lineup that's pretty solid on all positions, the FiberXers could really be another tough test for the Tropang 5G.
Justin Arana and Justine Baltazar could be some load for Poy Erram and Kelly Williams, same with Alec Stockton, Jordan Heading and Schonny Winston for Oftana, RR Pogoy and Rey Nambatac.
The FiberXers are at 2-2 going to the 7:30 p.m. tiff with victories over Phoenix (92-83) and Blackwater (111-80) and losses to Meralco (89-91) and Magnolia (71-83).
Meanwhile, the Tropang 5G are just to play their second game and will still be trying to get into the groove of things.
Sponsored content:
And they've decided for themselves not to think about the Grand Slam aspiration so as to lessen the pressure on them and for them to be a little loose.
As already minus RHJ, the Tropang 5G also have another big void to fill in the absence of Jayson Castro who sustained a season-ending knee injury in the Commissioner's Cup semis.(SB)
