TNT bowed out of the Abu Dhabi International Basketball Championship 2025 after bowing to Al Riyadi, 94-53, at the Al Jazira Club Indoor Arena Wednesday.
The Tropang 5G yielded the game’s first nine points before being left behind totally in the third canto, only scoring seven points while their Lebanese counterparts pumped in 27 for a commanding 78-40 lead entering the fourth.
Roger Pogoy was the lone player in double digits with 10 points for the PBA outfit, who finished its campaign in the Emirati capital with a 1-2 record.
TNT, who suffered a 93-74 beatdown at the hands of Al Sharjah in its debut last Monday, wanted to follow up its 98-76 win over Al Dhafra from Tuesday with another victory against the Yellow Castle only to get overpowered.
Maurice Kemp led Riyadi with 24 points and 11 rebounds. Hayk Gyokchyan finished with 19 points while Ivan Buva made 18 points and seven rebounds.
Guard Amir Saoud chipped in 12 markers for the reigning three-time Lebanese Basketball Championship titlists, who are readying not only for their domestic league but for the 2025-26 FIBA West Asia Super League as well.
The September 29-October 5 pocket tourney also serves as an avenue for Riyadi to prepare for the upcoming season without star guard Wael Arakji, who signed with Al Ula Club of the Saudi Basketball League last July.
The Tropang 5G, on the other hand, can now shift their attention to the golden season of Asia’s pioneering pro league that begins this Sunday.
Coach Chot Reyes and his wards are gearing up for a busy 2025-26 festivities ahead as they will look to defend the two championships they won last season–championships that put them on the cusp of a Grand Slam.
The reigning Commissioner’s Cup and Governors’ Cup champs will begin their Season 50 campaign against Phoenix on October 10 in the Philippine Cup.
