TNT in do-or-die EASL tiff

There's a slim chance that TNT could advance to the EASL Final Four where a $1 million prize awaits the champion but interim head coach Jojo Lastimosa said yesterday it's a tough ride that will mean beating the Anyang Jung Kwan Jang Red Boosters at the PhilSports Arena tonight and the Taipei Fubon Braves defeating the same Korean squad on Feb. 7 to forge a triple tie for second place.

- JOAQUIN HENSON

Anyang is now second with a 2-2 record in Group A behind unbeaten Chiba (6-0). TNT and Fubon are tied for third at 1-4.

If TNT beats Anyang and Anyang loses to Fubon, the Tropa can join Chiba as the top two Group A qualifiers to the Final Four only with a superior quotient. At the moment, Anyang is +23, TNT +1 and Fubon -23 in a three-way comparison.