TNT bounces back from ugly loss with masterful win over Phoenix

Sports

AMBUSHED by an erstwhile winless team the last time out, the TNT Tropang Giga bounced back with aplomb as they demolished the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 106-70, in the 49th PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Friday night, January 24, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

TNT came into the match smarting from a shock 108-117 loss to the Terrafirma Dyip. The loss snapped TNT’s six-game win streak and put them in a tight situation in the race for a twice-to-beat bonus in the quarterfinal round.

With the win, their seventh in 10 outings, the Tropa moved to third spot in a tie with the Meralco Bolts and Hong Kong Eastern at third-running spot. Only the top two teams after the eliminations will enjoy twice-to-beat bonuses in the quarterfinals.

Phoenix marked the end of their campaign in the mid-season tournament with a fourth straight setback. It finished the conference with nine defeats and only three victories.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson once again led the Tropa with 15 points and 10 rebounds in just three quarters of play as he sat out the entire payoff period with the game already beyond Phoenix’s reach.

Tyler Tio led Phoenix with 14 points while import Donovan Smith managed just 11 points on a 5-of-15 shooting from the field.

THE SCORES:

TNT (106) - Hollis-Jefferson 15, Pogoy 12, Oftana 11, Aurin 11, Nambatac 8, Williams 8, Galinato 8, Castro 6, heruela 6, Razon 6, Ebona 4, Khobuntin 4, Exciminiano 3, Payawal 2, Erram 2, Varilla 0.

PHOENIX (70) - Tio 14, Smith 11, Ballungay 11, Manganti 7, Tuffin 6, Jazul 5, Perkins 5, Muyang 2, Garcia 2, Alejandro 1, Rivero 0, Salado 0, Verano 0, Daves 0, Camacho 0.

QUARTERSCORES: 24-21, 49-35, 78-50, 106-70.(CCM)