Terrence Jones showed that he is a force to be reckoned with, powering TNT’s 102-87 rout of NLEX for a successful start in the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, Wednesday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
The NBA veteran finished with a game-high 41 points on a 48-percent shooting clip. He also had 14 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks against only three turnovers in the 36 minutes and 55 seconds he saw action in his PBA debut.
Jones already had 23 points in the first half, where he spearheaded the KaTropa’s fightback from an early eight-point deficit. TNT then turned it to a 50-34 advantage with 1:18 left in the second quarter through a fiery 18-4 scoring blitz.
The KaTropa remained in the driver’s seat all the way, and would lead by as many as 25 points, 85-60.
“Wala ka nang hahanapin sa kanya, lalo na sa opensa. He can score in any way,” said TNT head coach Bong Ravena – who is celebrating his 49th birthday today – of Jones. “But I hope he improves his free throws (8-of-19).”
Tony Semerad supplied 11 points and six rebounds, while Kelly Williams chimed in 10 markers and nine boards in the win.
Curtis Washington – who picked up import duties for NLEX when initial choice Tony Mitchell did not fulfill his commitments by failing to show up before the team – led the Road Warriors with 18 points, 16 rebounds, and two blocks.
JP Erram finished with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Kenneth Ighalo had 14 as well, while Juami Tiongson added 10 points.
Both TNT and NLEX will play again on Saturday, May 25, at SMART Araneta Coliseum. The Road Warriors go up against the NorthPort Batang Pier at 4:30 PM. Meanwhile, the Texters will face the Alaska Aces at 6:45 pm.
The Scores:
TNT 102 – Jones 41, A. Semerad 11, Williams 10, Castro 9, Trollano 8, Pogoy 6, Taha 4, Heruela 4, D. Semerad 4, Rosario 4, Reyes 1, Miranda 0, Casino 0.
NLEX 87 – Washington 18, Erram 14, Ighalo 14, Tiongson 10, Magat 9, Lao 7, Galanza 6, Fonacier 4, Soyud 2, Tallo 2, Paredes 1, Baguio 0, Paniamogan 0.
Quarterscores: 18-23, 52-39, 81-60, 102-87.
