CO-LEAGUE leader Meralco Bolts face their toughest test thus far when they take on debuting sister team TNT KaTropa. A victory propels the Bolts to solo leadership in the early goings of the 2017 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup.
The Bolts (2-0) and the Tropang Texters (0-0) resume their sibling rivalry at 7 p.m. in an intriguing match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Preceding that is a battle between two winless teams as cellar-dwellers Mahindra and NLEX, both carrying 0-2 slates, are bound to separate paths when they go at it at 4:15 p.m. to open the show.
With an extra motivation to do better following a dismal campaign in the Philippine Cup, the Bolts are off to a rousing start, winning their first two games the past week to grasp early share of tournament lead.
Meralco first tripped Mahindra in its opening game before giving the NLEX Road Warriors a 91-84 beating last Sunday in its last assignment.
Bolts coach Norman Black is happy to see his team race to a quick start.
“We really prepared really hard for this conference since we want to improve and establish ourselves as a contender,” said Black.
Alex Stepheson seems to be what the doctor ordered for Meralco as his inside presence had improved the team.
The Bolts will face a debuting TNT KaTropa side that is set to parade NBA veteran Lou Amundson.
After letting go of Denzel Bowles last week prior to the start of the tournament, the Texters found a gem in NBA journeyman Amundson.
He is bound to lead TNT KaTropa, who is set to miss the services of star guard Jayson Castro as he continues to recuperate from his hamstring injury.