PBA semis: KJ McDaniels, TNT roll past Meralco in Game 1

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MANILA, Philippines — TNT held off Meralco’s late fightback to carve out a 103-94 decision in the 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals Sunday night at Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

KJ McDaniels led the way for the KaTropa with 38 points and 14 rebounds while Jayson Castro had an all-around performance of 17 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists.

“That’s only the first game. I feel like this is going to be a long series,” said TNT coach Bong Ravena, whose squad gained a crucial 1-0 headstart in the race-to-three duel.

“We are glad that we won the first game—which is very important. But there’s nothing to celebrate,” he added. “We have to [continue finding] ways in stopping (Allen) Durham,” said Ravena.

Meralco’s do-it-all import had a herculean effort of 32 points and 21 rebounds, while Chris Newsome tossed in 14 more.

But that wasn’t enough against TNT, which drew twin digit scores from three of its other starters in Roger Pogoy, Ray Parks and Troy Rosario.

TNT shoots for a commanding 2-0 series lead on Tuesday, 7 p.m., again at the Big Dome.