TNT and Ginebra clash for the first time since their epic PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup finale that saw the then Tropang Giga win the title in seven games.
TNT Tropang 5G aim to stay red-hot and take a major step toward a twice-to-beat advantage, colliding with rival Barangay Ginebra San Miguel for a heavyweight showdown in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup on Sunday, June 8.
Gametime is set at 7:30 p.m. at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. Livestream will be available on One Sports' Youtube channel, powered by Pilipinas Live.
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Both teams enter the game with identical 6-3 records, locked in a tight race for top-four positioning as the eliminations wind down. The matchup also serves as the latest chapter in a growing rivalry, with TNT and Ginebra having clashed in the past two conference Finals.
TNT rides a six-game winning streak into the high-stakes encounter, the latest being a dominant 108-82 win over Blackwater. Simon Enciso took center stage with 19 points to earn Player of the Game honors, while veterans Kelly Williams (15 points, 7 rebounds) and Calvin Oftana (14 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists) continued their steady play.
Mike Nieto made his TNT debut with four points and six rebounds, adding to the Tropang 5G’s growing depth. New acquisition Jordan Heading remains day-to-day with coach Chot Reyes noting that his availability will be a game-time decision.
With momentum on its side, TNT now faces a Ginebra squad fresh off an emotionally charged 85-81 win over Magnolia in the latest edition of the Manila Clasico. Bragging rights aside, Sunday’s clash could well be a playoff preview—and a springboard toward a deep postseason run.
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(With reports from Jan Ballesteros)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]