TNT finally broke its losing spell against Terrafirma by way of a 110-74 rout to get a win run going in the PBA Philippine Cup Friday at the Philsports Arena.
Bent on beating a team that had beaten them twice this season, the Tropang 5G wasted no time taking control of the match, nailing their first five three-pointers toward a 15-4 start to practically set the tone for the vengeful rout.
Not only did they get back at a tormentor of sorts but Coach Chot Reyes & Co. have won back-to-back games for the first time in this conference.
(C) PBA Images
“Our objective coming to this ballgame was just to make sure we beat Terrafirma with our effort and our energy,” said Reyes, whose team improved to 2-3.
Calvin Oftana led the way with a game-high 22 points on a 4-of-8 clip from the first arc, the first two of which he made during the aforementioned start.
Poy Erram came through with 19 points on 8-of-11 shooting from the floor. Rey Nambatac supplied 12 points, four rebounds, and three assists.
Kim Aurin delivered 11 points, four rebounds, and five assists, while Roger Pogoy chipped in 10 markers as five players finished in double figures in the lopsided victory that saw TNT knock down a total of 16 threes.
(C) PBA Images
“Matagal na naming hindi tinatalo team na ito so we know we don’t really have a good record against this team. So we wanted to make sure that it doesn’t happen this time,” offered the champion mentor. “I think that’s what happened.
“Our starters got us off to a really good start with their defensive effort and that permeated all throughout the ballgame,” he continued.
Louie Sangalang and Mark Nonoy, on the other hand, finished with 16 points apiece to lead Terrafirma, which fell to its fourth straight loss (1-5).
The Scores:
TNT 110 – Oftana 22, Erram 19, Nambatac 12, Aurin 11, Pogoy 10, Payawal 9, Khobuntin 9, Williams 7, Varilla 5, Heruela 3, Ebona 3, Razon 0, Enciso 0.
Terrafirma 74 – Sangalang 16, Nonoy 16, Pringle 12, Ramos 10, Catapusan 9, Ferrer 7, Hanapi 3, Hernandez 1, Zaldivar 0, Olivario 0, Melecio 0, Paraiso 0.
Quarterscores: 31-18, 51-35, 88-52, 110-74.
