December 20 ------ TNT bagged its second straight victory in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Thursday, blowing out Blackwater, 109-93, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. The Tropang Giga welcomed the return of Governors’ Cup finals MVP Jayson Castro with a win after he missed the first three games due to an injury.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Rey Nambatac, and Calvin Oftana also fueled the Tropang Giga to a rout, evening its record to 2-2 to wrap up its memorable 2024 before they head to the holiday break. Castro finished the game with 16 points in his comeback game, even draining his first four-pointer of his career during the tail-end of the first half that enabled TNT to grab a 57-48 lead. TNT coach Chot Reyes said their eight-day break in between games was helpful since it lost to Magnolia by just three points last December 11 in a finish that left a lot to be desired. “The good thing was after that last game, we had a long break. And we used the break to work on our mechanics especially defensively,” said Reyes.
TNT also limited George King to 28 points, making it hard for him to score from fours by draining just one for six from that distance. “Towards the last couple of days, we focused in on how to stop George King. We all know his ability from the four-point line. We really made it a point, we were very intentional in guarding the four-point line against George,” said Reyes, who also credited Paul Varilla and Glenn Khobuntin for their defense against King. Reyes said Thursday being the team’s final game of the year and Friday being their Christmas party were enough motivation to win the match-up. “Before the game, it’s our team Christmas party tomorrow. We said let’s make sure we are happy in our Christmas party. Pag natalo tayo, malungkot tayo sa party natin,” said Reyes.
Hollis-Jefferson finished with 22 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, while Nambatac chipped in 19 points. After nailing nine threes in the Magnolia game, Oftana continued his hot shooting ways by burying five on his way to finishing with 18 points. RK Ilagan had 19 points but left the game in the final minutes to a left knee injury, leaving Blackwater without an offensive firepower in the guard spot that was already without Sedrick Barefield. Poy Erram also sustained a back injury after a hard fall, and played for only nine minutes
The scores:
TNT 109 – Hollis-Jefferson 22, Nambatac 19, Oftana 18, Castro 16, Pogoy 12, Khobuntin 10, Galinato 6, Erram 4, Razon 2, Varilla 0, Aurin 0, Exciminiano 0.
Blackwater 93 – King 28, Ilagan 19, Chua 9, Kwekuteye 9, David 8, Suerte 5, Escoto 4, Ponferada 3, Montalbo 2, Casio 2, Corteza 2, Guinto 1, Ayonayon 1, Jopia 0, Hill 0.
Quarters: 28-18; 57-48; 82-69; 109-93.
Source: spin.ph
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