TNT halts Alaska’s streak, gains share of 2nd place

Troy Rosario and Larry Fonacier caught fire early in the fourth to help TNT snap Alaska’s three-game winning run, 109-100, in the 2016 PBA Philippine Cup Friday at Philsports Arena in Pasig.

Rosario went 6-of-9 from three to top the KaTropa with 25 points, six coming in the fourth, to go with six rebounds, while Fonacier also had 16 markers powered by four triples to deliver the win for their crew.

“The goal today was to play consistent basketball. We talked about consistency: playing smart and giving 100-percent effort,” said coach Nash Racela. “Obviously, we’re struggling to do that, but we’re just looking for improvements. We didn’t play for 48 minutes, it’s just 40, but I think it’s still acceptable.”

TNT hardly broke a sweat, thanks to its 14-of-31 shooting from three that subdued the streaking Aces side.

Jayson Castro also had 16 points, seven assists, and two rebounds off the bench, while Ranidel de Ocampo got 10.

The KaTropa tied for the second spot with Blackwater with an identical  4-2 card while the Aces dropped to eighth with Phoenix carrying an even 3-3 record.

TNT led by as much as 16, 54-38, at the half before Alaska unleashed a 32-point third period, capped off by a buzzer beating three from Ping Exciminano, to get to as close as seven.

However, the KaTropa would douse that hot streak as Rosario and Fonacier conspired for a 10-2 blast to bring the lead back to 15, 87-72, with 9:21 to play.

Calvin Abueva led Alaska with a double-double of 18 points and 12 rebounds, on top of four assists, while Vic Manuel got 16 markers in the loss.

The Scores:

TNT 109 – Rosario 26, Castro 16, Fonacier 16, De Ocampo 10, Tautuaa 9, Ganuelas-Rosser 9, Williams 8, Reyes 6, Rosales 6, Carey 3, Pogoy 0, Tamsi 0, Golla 0.
ALASKA 100 – Abueva 18, Manuel 16, Racal 14, Banchero 12, Dela Cruz 8, Casio 7, Exciminiano 6, Jazul 6, Mendoza 5, Cruz 3, Hontiveros 3, Pascual 2.

Quarters: 31-22, 54-38, 77-70, 109-100.