PBA: Castro steps up in clutch, lifts TNT past NLEX

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TNT survived another close game after clipping NLEX, 101-95, to keep its record spotless in the 2016 PBA Governors’ Cup Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Jayson Castro took over in the fourth quarter and nearly had a triple-double with 23 points, seven rebounds and eight assists for the KaTropa, who hiked their record to 4-0.

“We’re just winning close games. We’re just hanging in there. We don’t give up and as long as we keep playing hard, and we’re disciplined and poised on both ends of the floor, we’re able to get by,” said TNT head coach Jong Uichico.

Castro fired 11 points in the fourth quarter alone, including seven straight in a crucial span that gave TNT an 83-81 edge after spending most of the second half catching up.

TNT also got a lift from its import Mario Little, who had his best game of his PBA stint scoring eight of his 18 points in the final frame.

Little buried the game-clinching 3-pointer, 100-95, with 23.2 seconds left off a setup by Castro, whose penetration caused the Road Warriors’ defense to collapse.

“He gives us a little bit of everything,” Uichico said of Little.

NLEX import Henry Walker posted game-highs of 26 points and 13 rebounds but his lone turnover led to a breakaway layup by Ryan Reyes that pushed TNT ahead for good, 97-95, with 44.5 ticks remaining.

Road Warriors’ ageless big man Asi Taulava added 14 points and six rebounds in his first game back after serving a one-game suspension, but not even his return could keep his team from falling to 1-3.