TNT stays in playoff hunt, routs quarterfinals-bound NLEX
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TNT staved off elimination after crushing NLEX, 101-75, in the 2018 PBA Philippine Cup Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Despite the blowout win, the KaTropa’s playoff status remains up in the air with their fate of making the quarterfinals already out of their control.
“We’ve been struggling offensive this conference and that’s no secret,” said TNT head coach Nash Racela, whose squad led by as much 38, 59-3, early in the third quarter. “I think the two-week break really helped us.”
“Today, at least offensively we looked a lot better than in our previous games. We needed a win for us to give ourselves a chance in the playoffs and the only thing we can control is this game,” Racela added.
Newly-acquired guard Jericho Cruz was one of the big reasons for the KaTropa’s improved offense.
Cruz fired a team-high 17 points and had three rebounds, four assists and two steals in his debut TNT. Kelly Williams also had 17 points on top of 16 rebounds and three steals.
The Road Warriors, who came into the game already assured of a spot in the quarterfinals slot, scored the game’s first four points, but the KaTropa took it from there.
TNT outscored NLEX, 31-12, in the second quarter to take a 58-28 advantage heading into the second half.
JR Quiñahan scored a game-hgh 20 points while Kevin Alas added 14 for the Road Warriors (6-5).
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