August 24, 2017

Phoenix, TNT KaTropa get shot in the arm

THERE is good news and bad news for Phoenix.

Matthew Wright, fully rested and refreshed from his stint with Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Asia Cup, is set to suit up for the Fuel Masters Friday when they take on the TNT KaTropa in the PBA Governors Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

But the KaTropa have their own returnee from Gilas in Roger Pogoy, giving coach Nash Racela an additional weapon in a bid to bounce back from a humiliating loss their last time out.

Jayson Castro is also back, but remains doubtful due to an injury he suffered in the game against Jordan in Lebanon. Having even just one fit body back is enough for Racela.

Without its two backcourt stars, plus Kuala Lumpur SEA Games-Troy Rosario and the injured Ryan Reyes, Anthony Semerad and Kris Rosales, TNT suffered a 73-105 beat down from Rain or Shine last Sunday.

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"We need to bounce back strong after a beating from Rain or Shine," said Racela.
"We're still lacking players, but we will definitely be better tomorrow."

Phoenix coach Ariel Vanguardia can't help but pray Wright would help his team snap out of a five-game slide capped by an 81-100 loss to unbeaten leader Star just last Wednesday.

"Hopefully, the return of Wright gets our team on the right track again," said Vanguardia.

Both TNT and Phoenix have some kinks to iron out regarding their respective imports.

Glenn Rice Jr., who replaced Michael Craig, struggled mightily in his debut game for the KaTropa against the Elasto Painters. He did score 19 points but went 6-of-22 from the field, including 2-of-11 from three-point range.
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In the Fuel Masters' game against the Hotshots, Brandon Brown, a temporary replacement for Eugene Phelps, finished with game-highs of 33 points, 23 rebounds and four blocks but also committed 10 turnovers.

"We've got to play team basketball and Brown needs to make plays for his teammates, too," said Vanguardia.