ANTIPOLO — TNT spoiled the return of Calvin Abueva by handing Titan Ultra its third consecutive loss, cruising to a 130-92 blowout victory for back-to-back wins in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup on Friday night at the Ynares Center.
Much of the spotlight was on the “Beast” and his comeback after missing the Giant Risers’ last two games due to a hamstring injury. But the Tropang 5G refused to be mere bystanders, completely dismantling the newcomers with a dominant all-around performance.
Last season’s double champions erupted for 40 points in the second quarter alone, turning a slim three-point lead into a commanding 62-38 halftime advantage. From there, they never looked back, taking full control to notch their first winning streak of the season.
Now sitting alone atop the standings with a 3-1 record, the Tropa will aim to make it three straight wins when they face Meralco on Wednesday, October 29, at 7:30 p.m. in the same venue.
(C) PBA Images
“I think it’s crucial that we have everyone back healthy,” said Coach Chot Reyes, referring to their current rhythm after previously missing Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and Jordan Heading in their 92-77 loss to Barangay Ginebra last October 15.
Henry Galinato emerged as TNT’s unlikely top scorer with 16 points off the bench, including nine in that explosive second period that sparked their pullaway. He shot an efficient 6-of-8 from the field while also grabbing nine rebounds and recording a block.
Mike Nieto added 15 points and six rebounds, while Tyrus Hill and Glenn Khobuntin chipped in 12 and 11, respectively—all coming off the bench as well. Their energy and production allowed TNT’s main guns to take a breather after the early rout.
The bench’s strong showing also helped key players Calvin Oftana and Roger Pogoy get much-needed rest, though both still contributed 14 and 10 points, respectively, following their big outings in the 110-103 win over Converge last Saturday.
According to PBA chief statistician Fidel Mangonon III, this was TNT’s most lopsided win since their 133-93 demolition of Terrafirma—then coached by Johnedel Cardel—during the Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup eliminations.
(C) PBA Images
Joshua Munzon led Titan Ultra with a game-high 20 points, while Abueva tallied a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds in his return. However, the Giant Risers simply could not match the firepower and defensive intensity of a merciless TNT side.
Now mired in a three-game skid while surrendering an average of 128.6 points per contest, the Giant Risers will try to bounce back against the 2-1 Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on Sunday, October 26, at 5:15 p.m., also at the Ynares Center.
They’ll be facing a Rain or Shine squad coming off a gritty 110-100 victory over Blackwater earlier in the night—a win that should test Titan Ultra’s resolve even further.
The Scores.
TNT 130 – Galinato 16, Nieto 15, Oftana 14, Hill 12, Khobuntin 11, Pogoy 10, Rosser 9, Aurin 9, Nambatac 8, Heading 8, Williams 8, Enciso 5, Jalalon 5, Varilla 0.
Titan Ultra 92 – Munzon 20, Yu 16, Abueva 15, Pessumal 10, Ular 8, Flores 8, Ambohot 4, Balanza 4, Koon 3, Sumang 2, Barasi 2, Cuntapay 0, Martinez 0.
Quarterscores: 22-19, 62-38, 99-63, 130-92.
