4 important numbers to keep an eye on as TNT, Phoenix clash in quarters

TNT Tropang Giga versus Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters screams mismatch. Then again, crazier things have happened in basketball, like Phoenix pushing TNT to the limit back in the eliminations, before yielding in the end, 123-119. That means there is chance of an upset—very small, yes, but a chance nonetheless.

With that being said, keep an eye out for the following numbers from that previous encounter, as these might very well dictate whether TNT will move on to the semis or if Phoenix will live another day.  

17

That is the number of triples TNT nailed in its win over the Fuel Masters, and it highlights the Tropang Giga’s reliance on the long ball. And with snipers like RR Pogoy, Mikey Williams, and Calvin Oftana, it is easy to see why the No. 1 seed likes hoisting up those threes. But TNT’s guns have been known to go silent from time to time, and a bad night might be the break Phoenix needs to force a rubber match.

22

TNT’s 22 second chance points as opposed to Phoenix’s 13 might have been the difference in Tropang Giga’s four-point escape act back in January. It might make a difference again if the two teams play like they did back in the eliminations.

54

Basketball is make or miss, and the Fuel Masters made more shots than they missed in their lone game against TNT on their way to a blistering 54% clip. That is the kind of shooting Phoenix will need to upend a powerhouse squad like the Tropang Giga, who themselves shot 48% in that game.  

57

Phoenix is most dangerous when its guards—Tyler Tio, RJ Jazul, Encho Serrano, and RR Garcia—are playing well because they open things up for big man Jason Perkins and import Du’Vaughn Maxwell. Those four were sensational in that first TNT-Phoenix encounter, combining for 57 points on a 50% shooting clip.