PBA: Tropang TNT douses NLEX fightback

Harvey Carey. PBA IMAGES

Tropang TNT came out of the gates firing and held off sister team NLEX, 85-80, Sunday in the 2016 Oppo PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Philsports Arena.

“We just needed this win to hopefully get over the hump,” said coach Jong Uichico as his wards improved to 3-4. “We’re falling down the standings so hopefully, we’ll have more wins in our succeeding games.”

The Tropa started the game with a 13-0 tear on their way to a 27-point spread, 42-15, in the second period.

Al Thornton and Garvo Lanete, however, teamed up to chip away the 25-point deficit in the third frame and NLEX got to as close as three, 81-78 with 2:42 left. However, the Road Warriors could not buy a bucket and was woeful from the charity stripe, putting a sad end on what could have been a huge fightback.

“I’m just trying to get as many wins as I can, trying to get this team to play with a little more gusto,”
Uichico said.

David Simon led TNT with 23 points, 16 rebounds, and four blocks before fouling out with a minute left in regulation.

Harvey Carey and Jai Reyes chipped in 11 markers apiece, as the Tropa found a way to eke out the win without Jayson Castro, who is still nursing his Achilles injury.

“He wanted to suit up. Hopefully, he’s just out for this game,” said Uichico of his star guard.

NLEX missed its first 10 shots of the game, and 15 out of its first 18 attempts, which proved to be a big blow for the Road Warriors in the end game.

Thornton finished the game with 35 points and 15 rebounds, while Lanete went 4-of-8 from threes and got 20 markers in the defeat.

The Road Warriors are still tied for eighth place with TNT and Star.

The Scores:

TROPANG TNT 85 – Simon 23, Carey 11, J. Reyes 11, De Ocampo 9, Ganuelas-Rosser 9, Rosario 8, Ababou 6, Tautuaa 4, Williams 4, R. Reyes 0, Miranda 0.
NLEX 80 – Thornton 35, Lanete 20, Anthony 7, Enciso 7, E. Villanueva 5, Alas 3, Taulava 3, Arboleda 0, Borboran 0, Khobuntin 0, Reyes 0, J. Villanueva 0.

Quarters: 34-15, 54-35, 67-61, 85-80.