REY Nambatac made an instant impact in his return from a long layoff, leading the TNT Tropang Giga to a 93-78 win over the Phoenix Fuel Masters in the 50th PBA Philippine Cup on Friday night, Oct. 10, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

Sidelined by a groin injury last conference, Nambatac didn't miss a beat as he fired a game-high 22 points on 9-of-14 shooting from the field. The shifty guard unloaded 13 of his total output in the second half where the Tropa built leads of as many as 16 after settling for a slim 45-42 halftime lead.

Nambatac, who saw action for the first time since May 11, also added six rebounds, three assists, and a steal.

Help came aplenty for Nambatac as the Tropa took off to a strong start in their first game since losing to the San Miguel Bemen in last season’s Philippine Cup Finals.

Calvin Oftana tossed in 15 points, Simon Enciso and new recruit Kevin Ferrer each had 12 points. Glenn Khobuntin (nine points), RR Pogoy (eight points), and Henry Galinato Jr. (eight points) added a combined 25 points.

Phoenix, which got 12 points apiece from Tyler Tio and Jason Perkins, faltered in its first outing under new coach Willy Wilson.

Kai Balungay chipped in 11 markers while Ken Tuffin had 10.

THE SCORES:

TNT (93)- Nambatac 22, Oftana 15, Ferrer 12, Enciso 12, Khobuntin 9, Pogoy 8, Galinato 8, Jalalon 4, Williams 3, Hill 0.

PHOENIX (78)- Tio 12, Perkins 12, Balungay 11, Tuffin 10, Nelle 9, Rivero 8, Santos 6, Manganti 5, Jazul 3, Taha 2, Caperal 0.QUARTERSCORES: 22-21, 45-42, 66-56, 93-78.(CCM)

• Tags
• #Rey Nambatac
• #TNT Tropang Giga
• #Phoenix Fuel Masters
• #PBA Philippine Cup
• #Calvin Oftana
• #Simon Enciso
• #Kevin Ferrer
• #RR Pogoy
• #Glenn Khobuntin
• #Henry Galinato Jr.
• #Tyler Tio
• #Jason Perkins
• #Willy Wilson
• #Ynares Center
• #Antipolo City