Simon Enciso powered TNT to a dominant 108-82 victory over the slumping Blackwater, securing the Tropang 5G’s sixth consecutive win in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup on Friday evening at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
Enciso, one of TNT’s recent acquisitions following the season-ending injury of Jayson Castro (full-thickness patellar tendon tear), led six Tropang 5G players in double figures with 19 points on an efficient 5-of-7 shooting clip.
With the win, TNT forged a three-way tie for fourth place with Barangay Ginebra and Rain or Shine, all carrying identical 6-3 records.
More than just extending its winning streak after starting the season 0-3, TNT gained valuable momentum in its pursuit of one of the four coveted twice-to-beat advantages heading into the playoffs.
The Grand Slam-seeking squad now shifts its focus to a crucial Finals rematch against Ginebra on Sunday at 7:30 p.m., also at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Meanwhile, it remains uncertain when newly acquired Jordan Heading will make his debut for TNT.
Acquired in a one-on-one trade that sent two-time PBA champion and Finals MVP Mikey Williams to the Converge FiberXers, Heading was unavailable for Friday’s game due to a lingering back injury.
He last saw action on February 9 in Game 3 of the Commissioner’s Cup Quarterfinals.
(C) PBA Images
“It does not change with our team, it starts with our defense. I think we played tremendous defense in this run as what was reflected in our past few games. The effort, I think that’s what we have within our team, but also our hustle stats. We make sure that we are constantly improving our numbers there,” TNT head coach Chot Reyes said.
After ending the opening period with just a two-point advantage, the Tropang 5G rode the hot hand of Enciso — who drilled three long bombs in the second quarter — to go on a 17-4 run and eventually build a 14-point, 54-40 lead at the half.
That proved to be all the cushion that TNT needed as two free throws by Poy Erram and back-to-back layups by Kim Aurin and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser to close the third period sent Blackwater down a 87-61 hole heading into the final frame of play.
Other than their offensive prowess (36-of-73 from the field at 49.3 percent shooting clip), the Tropang 5G also displayed their defensive capabilities by holding the Bossing to just 31-of-85 makes from the field at 36.5 percent.
Kelly Williams provided 15 points on 5-of-10 shooting with seven rebounds and one assist, while Calvin Oftana came in close with 14 points, three rebounds, and three assists.
Ganuelas-Rosser tallied 12 points with five rebounds, while Erram contributed 11 points, six rebounds, and one block. Aurin also reached double-digits with 10 points, four steals, and three assists.
(C) PBA Images
On the flip side, Blackwater’s woes continued, suffering its sixth straight defeat. The Bossing dropped to a 1-8 record, now tied with NorthPort Batang Pier at 10th place in the standings.
Christian David and Sedrick Barefield paced Blackwater with 13 points apiece, while Troy Maliliin and Mike Ayonayon scored nine points each.
The Bossing hope to halt its skid when it faces fellow cellar-dweller Terrafirma Dyip on Sunday at 5 p.m., also at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Scores:
TNT 108 – Enciso 19, K.Williams 15, Oftana 14, Ganuelas-Rosser 12, Erram 11, Aurin 10, Pogoy 9, Khobuntin 6, Vosotros 6, Nieto 4, Ebona 2, Heruala 0, Varilla 0
Blackwater 82 – David 13, Barefield 13, Mallilin 9, AYonayon 9, Ilagan 8, Tratter 6, Chua 6, Caperal 5, Andrade 3, Mitchell 2, Guinto 2, Escoto 2, Corteza 2, Jopia 2, Casio 0
Quarterscores: 24-22, 54-40, 87-61, 108-82
