The TNT Katropa blew a 21-point lead in the first half, but they managed to hang on and survive the NLEX Road Warriors, 117-106, to collect their third consecutive victory, Sunday evening at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Katropa have gained a share of the top spot of the 2018 Commissioner’s Cup standings with a 6-1 card, same as the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. The Road Warriors, on the other hand, dropped to 2-5.
Import Joshua Smith showcased his form after playing just 13 minutes in their 123-95 win over the Columbian Dyip last Friday, leading the Texters with 24 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists in over 34 minutes of action.
“We were very specific and very intentional in playing Joshua’s minutes at least above 30,” said TNT head coach Nash Racela. “Last game he only played 13. So good, at least this early, he’ll get used to playing longer minutes.”
The locals also made their presence felt in the victory, with Anthony Semerad leading the pack with 22 points. Terrence Romeo provided 19 points and eight assists, while Jayson Castro pumped 10 points, seven dimes, and six boards.
“We just tried doing a lot of combinations today,” said Racela of the contributions. “Jayson and Terrence playing together, Tony Semerad playing the four because we feel that’s something we’ll be needing in the future.”
The Katropa couldn’t do anything wrong in the game’s early goings, so much so that they already led by 21, 51-30, after six straight points — ended by a pair of Terrence Romeo freebies — with 8:48 to go in the second chapter.
The Road Warriors worked on the huge deficit step by step. And as the third quarter came, the tides suddenly turned in NLEX’s favor as they snatched the lead, 80-79, after Arnett Moultrie’s freebie with 3:36 on the clock.
That proved to be the only time that the Road Warriors would taste a lead. TNT took it back on a snap, and the Katropa made a 9-2 run inside the game’s final 3:49 to finish the match and seal the 11-point victory.
“I just think NLEX has been doing a very decent job the last two games, playing without Kiefer. I think it’s a very tough situation for them and the coaches, but the way I see it, they’ve been doing a lot of good things,” Racela lauded.
“That’s why today we had a hard time. We had a good lead in the first half but they were able to come back before the end of the first half,” added the second-year TNT head coach. “Guys are stepping up on their part, sa NLEX.”
Moultrie led NLEX with 31 points and 14 rebounds. Alex Mallari and Larry Fonacier chipped in 15 and 14 markers, respectively.
TNT will look to extend their streak versus the Magnolia Hotshots on June 13, Wednesday, 7:00 PM, still at the MoA Arena, while NLEX will take on the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on June 9, Saturday, 5:00 PM in Legazpi City, Albay.
The Scores:
TNT 117 — Smith 24, Semerad 22, Romeo 19, Cruz 12, Pogoy 11, Castro 10, Rosario 6, Williams 5, Golla 3, Trollano 3, Garcia 2, Carey 0, Paredes 0, Reyes 0.
NLEX 106 — Moultrie 31, Mallari 15, Fonacier 14, Ighalo 11, Quiñahan 9, Tiongson 7, Taulava 6, Miranda 4, Marcelo 3, Baguio 2, Rios 2, Soyud 2, Monfort 0, Uyloan 0.
Quarterscores: 45-30, 63-56, 89-82, 117-106.
