TNT extended its unbeaten run to four as it kept Blackwater winless, 96-76, to start off the 2021 Honda-PBA Philippine Cup resumption successfully, Wednesday at the Don Honorio Ventura State University Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.
The Tropang Giga erupted for 37 points in the third quarter – the very same output they produced in the first two chapters. Then they never let up since, as they gained a share of leadership with Magnolia (4-0) in the team standings.
“I think we wore them out with our pressure and depth,” said head coach Chot Reyes. He had his first 4-0 start since the 2003 Reinforced Conference with Coca-Cola, per league stats chief Fidel Mangonon III.
Mikey Williams turned in his best performance thus far with 16 points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals to lead TNT.
Roger Pogoy also filled up the stat sheet with 13 points, four dimes, three boards, and two steals. Jayson Castro supplied 11 markers, while Troy Rosario fell short of a double-double with eight points and 11 caroms.
Those four greatly contributed to turning things around for TNT, helping unload an overwhelming 23-5 deficit. That turned a six-point halftime deficit to a 60-48 advantage with 4:50 remaining in the third canto.
The Bossing team that played in the first 24 minutes was nowhere to be found since, as they succumbed to their more cohesive counterparts. The Texters went on to lead by as much as 26 points as they cruised to the victory.
“Our objective sa game na to was to put together 48 minutes of good basketball. Obviously, we failed because Blackwater outplayed us in the first 24 minutes,” offered Reyes. “Fortunately, we were able to adjust.”
Simon Enciso led Blackwater with 14 points in the loss, which kept them at the bottom of the standings with a 0-5 record.
The humiliating defeat also spoiled the return of Carl Bryan Cruz. The stretch forward finished with 11 points on two triples with six rebounds.
Blackwater is now on a 13-game skid since last year, one shy of longest in team history. It is also the longest losing slump by any team since Mahindra/Kia lost 16 straight, from the 2017 Commissioner’s Cup to the 2018 Philippine Cup.
Both squads will return to action on Sunday, September 5. TNT battles sister team Meralco (4-1) at 7:00 PM; meanwhile, Blackwater takes on Terrafirma (0-4) at 2:00 PM to open the triple-header affair.
The Scores:
TNT (96) – M. Williams 16, Pogoy 13, Castro 11, Marcelo 9, Montalbo 9, Heruela 8, Rosario 8, Erram 8, Khobuntin 7, Alejandro 7, K. Williams 0, Exciminiano 0, Javier 0, Mendoza 0.
Blackwater (76) – Enciso 14, Nabong 11, Cruz 11, Amer 9, Canaleta 8, Daquioag 6, Paras 4, Tolomia 4, Escoto 4, Golla 3, Desiderio 2, Magat 0, Semerad 0, Dennison 0, Torralba 0.
Quarterscores: 28-18, 37-43, 74-60, 96-76.
