TNT def San Miguel, 115-97 [PBA S49 Comm’s Cup | Jan. 26, 2025]
Both TNT and San Miguel Beer are gearing up for an all-out battle as they clash in a high-stakes showdown during the final stretch of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup eliminations at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo this Sunday.
Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
The Tropang Giga are aiming to secure a strong 9-3 win-loss record as they face the Beermen on Sunday, followed by a matchup against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on Friday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
However, they find themselves in a fierce scramble for a Top Two finish alongside NorthPort (8-3), Eastern (7-3), Meralco (7-3), Converge (8-4), and Barangay Ginebra (7-4). Even if they manage to sweep their final two games, the coveted twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals is far from guaranteed.
After clinching the Governors’ Cup title, the Tropang Giga stumbled at the beginning of the Commissioner’s Cup, suffering defeats in their first two outings against Eastern (84-105) and NorthPort (95-100). This rocky start means TNT would face a disadvantage in tiebreak scenarios with those teams or any logjam involving them.
Nonetheless, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and his teammates are prepared to leave it all on the court in these crucial final games as they chase their playoff dreams.
For the Beermen, currently sitting at 5-6, a victory would significantly improve their chances of snatching the eighth and final playoff spot.
This matchup is essentially a must-win for San Miguel, especially with the Magnolia Hotshots (4-6) and the NLEX Road Warriors (4-6) hot on their heels in the standings.
Fortunately for June Mar Fajardo and his squad, they secured a vital 116-113 escape against the Phoenix Fuel Masters on Friday, giving them a glimmer of hope.
San Miguel will guarantee a playoff berth if they triumph over TNT and both Magnolia and NLEX fail to win their remaining games.
The Hotshots face tough challenges against Eastern and Meralco, while the Road Warriors still have to contend with Rain or Shine and Eastern. The stakes are high, and every possession counts as the teams fight for their playoff futures.
