ALL-OUT WAR LOOMS

TNT is bracing for a fierce fightback from a San Miguel Beer crew that's out for blood after the "offensive basket interference" controversy in Sunday's opener.

- By OLMIN LEYBA

GAME TOMORROW The Tropang 5G (SMART ARANETA COLISEUM) TNT LEADS SERIES, 1-0 defeated the Beermen, 99-96, in a thrilling PBA Philippine Cup championship kickoff that sparked a heated debate after Mo Tautuaa's missed dunk that eventually dropped in, then was nullified by the technical committee upon review, citing interference.

Instead of sulking, SMB coach Leo Austria intends to use that bitter experience as a rallying point and added motivation for tomorrow's second salvo.

"Everybody's so frustrated with that incident," said Austria, lamenting how the effort of his charges in clawing back from 24 down went down the drain in the end.