TNT import KJ McDaniels. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
ANTIPOLO — KJ McDaniels scored eight of TNT’s 10 points in overtime to hold off Alaska, 99-93, in overtime and extend KaTropa’s sterling run in the PBA Governors’ Cup Friday night at Ynares Center here.
The American reinforcement fired 37 points and 13 rebounds—including the layup that forced an extra period against the struggling Aces.
“KJ and Troy (Rosario) saved us,” said coach Bong Ravena. “We ought to play closer games later on. This game will only make us better.”
Rosario tossed in 23 points to help in the effort that put TNT squarely on top of the draw with a 7-0 record.
The Aces drew 12 or more points from three of their locals and 16 from Franko House in the narrow loss that would’ve afforded the limping squad a confidence boost as the season plods along.
Jesper Ayaay muffed an open layup in the dying second of regulation, one that Ravena couldn’t help but be thankful for as it kept TNT’s record unscathed thus far in the third conference.
TNT, which notched the first 7-0 start since the league’s expansion to 12 teams, shoots to improve its record against red-hot sister team NLEX at Smart Araneta Coliseum Friday week.
Alaska, on the other hand, will try to win over an equally struggling Blackwater the day after, also at the Big Dome.