Almond Vosotros. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines-TNT got big shots from 3×3 standout Almond Vosotros to defeat Phoenix, 96-88, and nail its first victory in the PBA On Tour on Wednesday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Vosotros’ three that broke an 83-all tie with eight minutes left in the fourth quarter sparked a breakaway that enabled the Tropang Giga to end a string of seven consecutive defeats since the start of the exhibition series.
He finished with 16 points despite a day removed from a hectic campaign in the PBA 3×3 which saw TNT winning the second leg.
“Our 3×3 team came off two days straight where they reached the finals, and took a lot out of them so we really like to thank them,” said acting coach Sandy Arespacochaga.
Glenn Khobuntin topscored with 21 points, Carl Bryan Cruz had 15 points while Kib Montalbo added 13 points, five rebounds and five assists as the Tropang Giga regulars also came through.
The Tropang Giga took the victory despite blowing a 16-point lead as the Fuel Masters rallied to tie the count at the aforementioned 83-all scoreline on a basket by Javee Mocon.
But Vosotros and Cruz knocked down back-to-back triples to help TNT restore order, before the former added eight more points to seal the deal.
Sean Manganti was one of five Phoenix players in double figures, scoring 18 points with nine rebounds but his team fell to 3-7 after a fourth consecutive defeat.
The scores:
TNT 96—Khobuntin 21, Vosotros 16, Cruz 15, Montalbo 13, Flores 9, Exciminiano 6, Mendoza 5, De Leon 5, Heruela 3, Marcelo 2, Cuntapay 1, Jopia 0.
PHOENIX 88—Manganti 18, Tio 15, Garcia 15, Lalata 13, Mocon 10, Celda 7, Camacho 6, Rangel 2, Alejandro 2, Atienza 0, Fetalvero 0.
Quarters: 25-24, 51-40, 81-71, 96-88.