TNT dodged a bullet that is the Columbian Dyip, 125-120, to extend their unbeaten run to four games in the 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup, Saturday evening at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Import KJ McDaniels played all 48 minutes and spearheaded the KaTropa’s attack with 29 points, 17 rebounds, six assists, and five blocks. Unfortunately, he also committed nine turnovers.
Roger Pogoy flirted with a double-double with 27 points and eight rebounds. Jayson Castro made 25 points and six assists, while Don Trollano chimed in 19 markers, six boards, and three dimes.
Coach Bong Ravena was far from pleased despite the victory, though. He rued the KaTropa’s poor defense, since they allowed the opposition to score above one hundred points.
“We’re happy but our concern is our defense, which we haven’t been doing good,” he said.
The KaTropa actually held a 69-55 lead in the third, but the Dyip slowly chipped it away. CJ Perez eventually got them within three, 120-123, with 59.4 seconds remaining in the game.
Columbian made stops afterwards and looked to trim the deficit further, but Perez rushed a mid-range shot with about 15 seconds left to play. TNT then collared the miss.
Khapri Alston then fouled Pogoy with 11.7 seconds to go. The third-year guard calmly canned both of his free throws to make it a five-point game, and eventually settle the final count.
“We barely survived. Columbian played really well,” said Ravena. “In our future games, ‘di na pwede yung ganyan. We have tougher teams coming. We have major concerns especially on defense.”
Import Alston finished with 38 points and 13 rebounds to lead Columbian, who fell to 2-2 after the defeat.
Rashawn McCarthy produced 26 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Rookie Perez supplied 23 markers, seven boards, three dimes, and three steals in the loss.
TNT (4-0) will next face the NorthPort Batang Pier (1-3) on October 9, Wednesday, at the Cuneta Astrodome. Meanwhile, Columbian will battle the Blackwater Elite (1-2) on October 11, Friday, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Scores:
TNT 125 – McDaniels 29, Pogoy 27, Castro 25, Trollano 19, Rosario 7, Carey 6, Reyes 6, Vosotros 4, De Leon 2, A. Semerad 0.
Columbian 120 – Alston 38, McCarthy 26, Perez 23, Corpuz 9, Cahilig 9, Tiongson 8, Celda 3, Flores 2, Faundo 2, Cabrera 0, Calvo 0, Camson 0.
Quarterscores: 32-31, 66-53, 94-91, 125-120.
