TNT eyes second preseason win vs Ginebra

TNT shoots for consecutive wins when it tangles with Barangay Ginebra in a battle between two champion teams from last season’s import-spiced conferences as the PBA On Tour continues on Friday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Ping Exciminiano of TNT makes his move against RR Garcia of Phoenix during their PBA on Tour game on Wednesday, July 19. PBA IMAGE 

The Tropang Giga registered a breakthrough win in the preseason on Wednesday behind a 96-88 triumph against Phoenix Fuel Masters to end a string of seven losses to begin the exhibition series.

Currently being handled by assistant coach Sandy Arrespacochaga, TNT ruled the 2022-23 Governors’ Cup. But the current preseason campaign features a TNT side that doesn’t have its key players, who are either loaned to Gilas Pilipinas, or are taking their much-needed rest.

Same goes to Ginebra, last season’s Commissioner’s Cup champion, which doesn’t have its veterans, who are also members of the national training pool.

Both squads, which tangle at 7:30 p.m., are relying on their PBA 3×3 players with TNT and Ginebra emerging as top finishers in the ongoing 3×3 season.

TNT 3×3 players Almond Vosotros, Gwynn Mendoza, Lervin Flores and Ping Exciminiano are giving TNT the much-needed lift, similar to what Kim Aurin, Raphael Cu, Donald Gumaru and Ralph Salcedo are doing for Ginebra.

The Gin Kings are out to arrest a two-game slide as they enter the game with a 4-5 record.

Meanwhile, Converge will be shooting for its third straight win as it tangles with NLEX at 5 p.m.

The FiberXers are coming off an overpowering performance that saw them tear the Gin Kings to shreds, 123-95 last Sunday behind 18 three-point shots.