ANTIPOLO — TNT rebounded from its loss to Terrafirma by overpowering an also-ran Phoenix, 106-70, to revive its top two aspirations in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup, Friday at the Ynares Center here.
Humiliated by the Dyip just two nights ago, the Tropang Giga got going in the second chapter before breaking away in the next frame as those strong middle quarters proved enough to get themselves back to their winning ways.
The perennial contenders hiked their record to 7-3 to formalize their entry to the playoffs and forge a three-way tie as well with Meralco and Hong Kong Eastern at third in the standing.
NorthPort and Converge (8-3) are both currently in the lead.
“The disappointing part was our defense was non-existent in that last game and that was all we talked about yesterday in practice,” Coach Chot Reyes said.
“We wanted to make sure that we go back to who we are, the way we play defense. The last game was very uncharacteristic of us,” he added.
None from the Tropa breached the 20-point mark, with Rondae Hollis-Jefferson top-scoring with 15 points, spiked by a pair of triples. He also had 10 rebounds, five assists, two steals, and two blocks for another full line.
But that should hardly be a concern for the squad after all but one of Reyes’ 16 charges contributed at least two points in the dominant conquest.
Three more men finished in double figures, with Roger Pogoy registering 12 points alongside six rebounds, three assists, and a steal.
Calvin Oftana and Kim Aurin chipped in 11 points apiece as the two nailed two treys each for a team that hit a total of 15 shots from the first arc.
“I think it was very important for us to take the lesson from last game into today’s ballgame,” reflected the champion bench tactician.
TNT will now look to win its remaining games against San Miguel (January 26) and Rain or Shine (January 31) to bolster its top-two bid.
Tyler Tio, meanwhile. had 14 points to lead the Fuel Masters, who finished what had been a deflating conference with only three wins in 11 outings.
The Scores:
TNT 106 – Hollis-Jefferson 15, Pogoy 12, Oftana 11, Aurin 11, Nambatac 8, Williams 8, Galinato 8, Castro 6, heruela 6, Razon 6, Ebona 4, Khobuntin 4, Exciminiano 3, Payawal 2, Erram 2, Varilla 0.
Phoenix 70 – Tio 14, Smith 11, Ballungay 11, Manganti 7, Tuffin 6, Jazul 5, Perkins 5, Muyang 2, Garcia 2, Alejandro 1, Rivero 0, Salado 0, Verano 0, Daves 0, Camacho 0.
Quarterscores: 24-21, 49-35, 78-50, 106-70.
