TNT survives Alaska in heart-pounder, gains share of no. 1

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ANTIPOLO—Playing in high altitude requires an even higher fortitude.

TNT is sure to be the talk of the town as it survived Alaska, 120-118, for its third straight win in the PBA Governors’ Cup Friday at Ynares Center-Antipolo.

It’s now a 3-0 record for TNT, tying Mahindra for the top seed.

TNT had a 118-112 lead with 21.1 seconds remaining—a big enough deficit to ensure a win in most cases—but this case had Dondon Hontiveros getting the Midas Touch for the Aces.

Hontiveros knocked down two contested threes, the latter coming off a fake against Harvey Carey to cut the deficit to one, 119-118 off with just 3.2 ticks left.

Jayson Castro split from the line in the ensuing possession, giving Alaska a glimmer of hope but that window immediately closed when Aces import LaDontae Henton tripped near the half court line and their last 2.5 seconds elapsed without a shot attempt.

“It’s been three tough games, all three went to the wire, and we survived those games,” said Ka Tropa head coach Jong Uichico. “They made big three-point shots to keep within striking distance.”

Alaska played without star forward Calvin Abueva who is serving a one-game suspension after hitting Ginebra guard Chris Ellis in the Aces’ previous game.

TNT lit up the cold Antipolo night with seven three-pointers in the final quarter to outscore Alaska 38-31 in the fourth period.

Castro was dominant for Ka Tropa finishing with a team-high 26 points to go along 10 assists and five steals.

Big man Moala Tautuaa added 18 points while Ranidel De Ocampo had a 17-point, 11-rebound double-double.

Henton had a game-high 35 points to go along eight rebounds to lead Alaska but he committed eight turnovers.

Alaska failed to follow up its overtime win over Ginebra last Sunday and fell to 1-2.

Dondon Hontiveros had a perfect shooting night for the Aces as he finished with 22 points on 8-of-8 from the field.

The scores:

TNT KATROPA 120 – Castro 26, Tautuaa 18, De Ocampo 17, Madanly 15, Reyes R. 15, Little 12, Rosales 9, Carey 5, Nuyles 2, Fonacier 1, Rosario 0, Williams 0, Seigle 0.

ALASKA 118 – Henton 35, Hontiveros 22, Jazul 19, Bancero 18, Racal 7, Casio 5, Manuel 5, Dela Rosa 4, Baclao 3, Exciminiano 0, Menk 0, Thoss 0.

Quarters: 22-23, 45-55, 82-86, 120-118