TNT earned a measure of revenge following a dominant 116-92 conquest of Terrafirma for a swashbuckling continuation to its PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup campaign on Wednesday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Tropang 5G began to take control of the bout late in the second chapter before breaking away wide in the third canto toward getting even with the Dyip after falling in overtime, 111-106, during their previous encounter last July 25.
The reigning conference champions hiked their record to 5-4 following the win, gaining a share of the third spot with Converge in the seven-team Group A.
(C) PBA Images
“Finally, medyo nakakabalik na ‘yung some of our key players, Calvin [Oftana and Jayson [Castro] specifically,” offered head coach Chot Reyes.
Calvin Oftana, in his first game back since the Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Finals last June, starred with 31 points to lead the traditional contenders in the victory that also served as a warm welcome to Jayson Castro.
Back in action in the same title series Ginebra eventually won in seven, the 40-year-old chipped in a field goal as he continues working his way back to top form amid their playoff push.
“Excited eh, parang rookie year ko nga ulit. Last game ko ata, I think, June. Just happy na nanalo kami, and na-execute namin ‘yung game plan,” Oftana said.
Nick Hornsby turned in a solid debut with 26 points, 11 of which he made in the second chapter. Jordan Heading delivered 14 points, while Henry Galinato, Rey Nambatac, and Roger Pogoy supplied 13, 11, and 10. respectively.
TNT will soon shift its attention to Saturday’s meeting versus San Miguel Beer in Antipolo, looking to complete a group phase sweep of its long-time rival after hacking out a 93-89 overtime victory in the first round last August 1.
(C) PBA Images
Maverick Ahanmisi and Justin Strings, meanwhile, finished with 27 and 25 points to lead the Dyip in the loss, which dropped their card to 3-6.
The duo carried much of the load offensively after Juami Tiongson got held to a scoreless outing as TNT targeted the star guard on defense after leading his team’s strong closeout in extra time in their previous encounter.
“Hindi ko alam kung ilang points si Juami pero ‘yung last game, si Juami ‘yung pumatay sa amin, lalo na sa OT. Credit to the guys,” said Oftana.
The Scores:
TNT 116 – Oftana 31, Hornsby 26, Heading 14, Galinato 13, Nambatac 11, Pogoy 10, Khobuntin 4, Ambohot 3, Castro 2, Jalalon 2, Celzo 0, Quitevis 0, Varilla 0, Enciso 0, Hill 0.
Terrafirma 92 – Ahanmisi 27, Strings 25, Paraiso 11, Catapusan 5, Bravo 5, Eriobu 5, Chiu 4, Zaldivar 3, Adamos 3, Miller 2, Garcia 2, Tiongson 0, Mariano 0, Umali 0, Hanapi 0.
Quarterscores: 27-22, 57-42, 79-62, 116-92.
