After facing back-to-back defeats, TNT KaTropa have finally come back into the winners’ circle after downing Mahindra Floodbuster, 104-92, in the 2017 PBA Philippine Cup Wednesday night at the Cuneta Astrodome.
With the much-needed victory, TNT are now above-.500 with a 5-4 record, good enough to tie Blackwater at the fourth spot in the team standings. The Floodbuster, meanwhile, dropped to 2-6, similar to NLEX’s card.
Troy Rosario led TNT’s charge with 18 markers and nine boards, but it was rookie Roger Pogoy who starred for the KaTropa with a career-high of 16 markers off 7-of-15 shooting to go along with four dimes and four steals.
Mo Tautuaa had 14 points, while Kris Rosales and Larry Fonacier each had 11. Ace guard Jayson Castro, despite shooting just 3-for-10, finished with ten markers in the win.
“It took our best to cover yung shooters nila. From the point guard to the center, they are shooting well so that’s why we made it an effort to close out on their shooters,” said TNT head coach Nash Racela said about Mahindra’s torrid shooting in their last two games.
With Mahindra being able to close to within one, 88-87, early in the fourth, TNT stepped on the gas with a 10-1 run anchored by triples from Pogoy, Ryan Reyes, and Larry Fonacier, to keep the Floodbuster at bay, 98-88, with 5:07 to go.
With Alex Mallari taking charge, Mahindra attempted to spark a comeback, but shots just weren’t falling for them. A Jayson Castro lay-up and a Rosario put-back slam in the closing seconds were enough to seal the deal in favor of the KaTropa.
“Well not so much satisfied. But I see my players finding ways to play together and deliver a positive outing for us. I know it’s a process but I’m hoping that it takes us to the right direction,” declared Racela, when asked if he was satisfied with tonight’s victory.
As usual, Mallari led Mahindra with 19 points by shooting 6-for-17 from the floor. He also had seven boards and five dimes. Mark Yee and Philip Paniamogan each had ten markers in the loss.
As a team, TNT shot better, hitting 39 of 88 from the field. They also out-rebounded Mahindra, 52-44, and moved the ball better, 20-16. However, Mahindra shot their charities better with a 19-of-24 clip, far from TNT’s 20-of-28.
TNT will try to post another win against Globalport next Wednesday, January 25, 7:00 PM, still at the Astrodome. Mahindra, on the other hand, will try to bounce back versus Alaska this Sunday, January 22, 4:15 PM at Philsports Arena.
The Scores:
TNT (104) – Rosario 18, Pogoy 16, Tautuaa 14, Rosales 11, Fonacier 11, Castro 10, Reyes 7, Rosser 7, De Ocampo 7, Golla 2, Carey 1, Williams 0.
Mahindra (92) – Mallari 19, Paniamogan 10, Yee 10, Revilla 8, Deutchman 7, Celda 7, Escoto 6, Salva 6, Arana 6, Galanza 5, Ballesteros 3, Elorde 3, Eriobu 2, Digregorio 0,
Quarterscores: 29-25, 51-57, 82-78, 104-92
