PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—TNT captured a twice-to-beat incentive in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals at the expense of Blackwater, 115-97, Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
Import Terrence Jones had another stellar performance, delivering a triple-double once again with 36 points, 16 rebounds and 14 assists. Troy Rosario had 14 to lead four other locals in twin-digit performances.
TNT solidified its grip of the top spot and joined NorthPort among the only teams with a win-once privilege in the playoffs.
The KaTropa have won their last seven games and improved to 9-1 with a game against Magnolia on Wednesday left on its elimination round schedule.
Ray Parks Jr. buoyed the young Elite with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Mike DiGregorio and Staphon Blair tossed in 19 and 16 respectively, in a losing effort.
Blackwater slipped to a 6-4 slate to stay in the middle of the standings. It tries to nab one more win before heading into the playoffs when it plays Alaska Sunday next week.
The scores:
TNT 115 – Jones 36, Rosario 14, Castro 13, Heruela 12, Pogoy 12, Trollano 11, A. Semerad 8, Magat 4, Casino 3, Taha 2, Reyes 0, Golla 0, D. Semerad 0.
Blackwater 97 – Parks 21, Digregorio 19, Maliksi 16, Blair 16, Belo 10, Sumang 4, Alolino 3, Banal 2, Dario 2, Sena 2, Desiderio 2, Cortez 0, Tratter 0, Al-Hussaini 0, Jose 0.
Quarterscores: 25-23, 60-43, 91-66, 115-97