TNT banks on strong 4th quarter to beat Ginebra

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Import David Simon posted a double-double and TNT pushed its winning streak to three after beating Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 107-92, in the 2016 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Wednesday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Simon recorded 30 points and 14 rebounds on top of four blocks to lead TNT, which hiked its record to 5-4.

“We needed this win as bad as they needed this win. Both teams came to play and it’s just that we were able to play better in the last quarter,” said TNT head coach Jong Uichico, whose squad broke loose from a 73-deadlock heading into the final frame. “We were able to make shots and make stops.”

Troy Rosario continues to flourish under his new role as a small forward with 22 points on 8-of-11 shooting from the field, including 5-of-7 from the three-point area.

Othyus Jeffers collected 29 points, 16 rebounds and six assists for the Gin Kings, who slid into a tie with TNT in fourth place with a 5-4 mark. Greg Slaughter also had a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds as veteran playmaker LA Tenorio struggled with only five points on 2-of-8 shooting and four turnovers.

Back-to-back 3-pointers by Rosario and Castro put the game away, 103-89, with only 1:28 remaining.

Moala Tautuaa and Castro added 12 and 10 points, respectively while Matt Ganuelas-Rosser and Ranidel de Ocampo chipped in eight for TNT, which had 26 assists and only 12 miscues.