Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
TNT continued to have Blackwater’s number after taking a 117-96 win in the 2017 PBA Governors’ Cup Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Glen Rice Jr. had an all-around effort with 31 points, six rebounds, four assists and seven steals through three quarters for the KaTropa, who notched their first back-to-back wins this conference.
“Our objective going into every game is to look for improvements. We are all aware that the situation right now is not quite well yet. We are looking for stability now. As a coach, I expect my players to play smart,” said TNT head coach Nash Racela, whose squad hiked their record to 4-2.
“Today, we are all satisfied with this game. It also helped that we are getting to be complete as team,” he added. “Going to this game, we already knew that it would take our absolute best to stop the three-game winning streak of Blackwater.”
The KaTropa break the game wide open in the second quarter, where they outscored the Elite, 34-15.
The Elite, who have never beaten the KaTropa since joining the PBA three seasons ago, came into the game having won three straight victories but they didn’t seem like a team on a roll against the KaTropa, who led by as much as 27 points.
Blackwater, which slipped to 3-4, never led and had more turnovers (16) than assists (14).
NBA legend Ray Allen, who arrived in Manila on Tuesday, surprised the fans at MOA Arena as he watched the game.
Allen’s former teammate with the Boston Celtics, Henry Walker, led the Elite with 33 points and 18 rebounds.