TNT banks on strong fourth to fend off Blackwater

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TNT went on a strong surge in the fourth quarter to pull away from Blackwater, 109-89, in the 2016 PBA Governors’ Cup Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Trailing by two early in the final frame, the KaTropa outscored the Elite, 33-11, in the last nine minutes to cruise to their fifth win in as many games.

“We were rusty at the start. We were trying to feel out Mychal and he was also trying feel us out too. We were struggling but then our shots went in,” said TNT head coach Jong Uichico.

“We just want to play the best we could.”

TNT paraded its new import in Mychal Ammons, who finished with 18 points and 18 rebounds as a replacement for Mario Little.

Matt Ganuelas-Rosser also played his first game this conference for TNT after recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his right foot and ankle injury that also kept him out of Gilas.

Forwards Ranidel de Ocampo and Troy Rosario also came through for the league-leading KaTropa, combining for 36 points and 19 rebounds.

The Elite had control of the game early and were still leading, 78-76, before the KaTropa went on a telling run.

Blackwater was also dealt with a huge blow after losing its starting center JP Erram due to an apparent knee injury in the second quarter.

Erram was having a huge game with nine points, three rebounds, two steals and couple of blocks before getting hurt and being stretchered off the floor following an awkward landing at the 5:33 mark.

“Malaking bagay si Erram because he’s a middle man shot blocker and also Dawson with back spasms. It was just an unfortunate incident,” said Uichico, referring to Blackwater import Eric Dawson, who only had 13 points to go with 10 rebounds.

Reil Cervantes came off the bench and had 22 points for Blackwater, which slipped into a tie with skidding Star at 1-4 for the second-worst record.