Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—TNT clamped down on Barangay Ginebra’s big guns for the second straight game, carving out an 88-71 decision to seize a commanding 2-0 lead in their PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinal series Sunday night at Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
Skipper Jayson Castro scored 20 points to lead the KaTropa, while import Terrence Jones—despite shooting an atrocious clip—still managed to chalk up a triple-double of 15 points, 19 boards, and 10 assists.
Three more tossed in 11 or more points for TNT in the second contest of the best-of-five duel, a series which could end quickly than expected.
“We’re just lucky Ginebra had a bad game,” said TNT coach Bong Ravena in the post-game presser.
The Gin Kings, the reigning conference champions, drew a 25-point, 13-rebound performance from their beloved reinforcement Justin Brownlee.
Japeth Aguilar and Scottie Thompson both recovered from their lackluster showing in the series-opener, adding 14 and 13, respectively.
Stanley Pringle, who was the penciled as the biggest x-factor for Ginebra’s recent success, struggled the most. He finished with only two points—a floater that for the Gin Kings’ second basket in the game.
TNT’s shutdown of the crowd darlings marks the lowest output for a Brownlee-led Ginebra side.
The KaTropa, who are shooting for their first finals appearance in two years, go for the kill on Tuesday, 7 p.m., at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.