TNT grabs 2-0 lead, smothers Meralco

Sports

THERE was no need of a dramatic comeback this time as the TNT Tropang Giga led from start to finish to dump the Meralco Bolts, 109-92, in Game 2 of their semifinal series in the 50th PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday night, Jan. 7, at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Tropa raced to a hot start and dominated the rest of the way in a performance that was a stark contrast to their 100-95 win in Game 1 where they had to overcome to a 21-point deficit to pull through.

With the wire-to-wire Game 2 win, the Tropa wrested a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series, needing just two more wins to advance to the championship round.

Leading the TNT onslaught were Jordan Heading and Calvin Oftana, who conspired for six three-pointers and finished with combined 50 points.

Heading finished with a game-high 26 points to go with with seven rebounds and one block while Oftana put in 24 markers.

Kelly Williams and RR Pogoy chipped in 12 points each and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser had 11 markes in the Tropa’s searing offensive attack.

TNT raced to an early 29-19 lead and did not relent since then as it even led by as many as 24.

While the Tropa had no problem making three-point shots, the Bolts struggled from deep where they made just one of their 15 attempts.

Cliff Hodge and Chris Newsome each scored 18 points for Meralco.

THE SCORES:

TNT (109) - Oftana 26, Heading 24, Williams 12, Pogoy 12, Rosser 11, Galinato 6, Khobuntin 4, Nambatac 4, Erram 4, Jalalon 2, Hill 2, Aurin 2, Enciso 0, Ferrer 0.

MERALCO (92) - Hodge 18, Newsome 18, Quinto 13, Reyson 11, Black 10, Almazan 9, Cansino 9, Banchero 2, Jose 2, Bates 0, Rios 0, Comia 0.QUARTERSCORES: 29-19, 57-46, 82-66, 109-92.(CCM)