Photo by Tristan Tamayo
TNT boosted its playoff chances following a big win over Rain or Shine, 100-92, in the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup Sunday at Ynares Center in Antipolo.
The KaTropa led by double digits for majority of the second half until the Elasto Painters made one last push late to pull within four, 95-91, after a basket by James Yap with 33 seconds left.
TNT, however, managed to hold on with Jayson Castro sinking two crucial free throws for a 97-91 cushion with 28.3 ticks remaining.
Castro finished with 20 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists while fellow national team mainstay Troy Rosario also had 20 points on top of six rebounds.
The KaTropa tied idle San Miguel Beer in fourth with similar 4-3 slates.
The Painters had five players in double figures led by Yap’s 18 points.
Maverick Ahanmisi added 14 for Rain or Shine, which trailed, 91-75, before going on a blistering 16-4 surge to make it a game.
With the loss, the Painters (7-2) slipped to second place behind the Phoenix Fuel Masters (7-1).