PBA: TNT clips Terrafirma to get back on track

TNT Tropang Giga guard Jayson Castro during the PBA Philippine Cup against Terrafirma Dyip.–PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–TNT kept it together late on Saturday afternoon to nip Terrafirma, 100-97, and return to the PBA Philippine Cup win column.

The Tropang Giga drew a balanced production from its usual suspects and its newcomers, especially rookie Henry Galinato Jr. who finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds—both the finest marks of his young career.

But it was Calvin Oftana and Jayson Castro who put the finishing touches on the victory, ultimately willing the club back on its feet after a stunning loss to surprise early leader Blackwater last week and improving to 2-1 in the race.

Still, coach Chot Reyes feels there’s hardly a good reason to celebrate—especially with a tough schedule on the horizon.

“I don’t think we’re on the level of the big boys yet. We just want to be competitive against other teams,” he said. “Without a fully 100 percent lineup, it’s going to be hard to match up against such a big and talented team like San Miguel. So it’s incumbent upon us to use this week to be very smart about our practice and prepare very well.”

READ: Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser makes most of TNT debut

TNT missed veteran big man Kelly Williams and gunner Roger Pogoy who are both in sick bay.

Castro finished with 23 points off the bench, while Otana delivered with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Glenn Khobuntin added just as much in the scoring effort as the traditional powerhouse dealt the Dyip a reality check after a 2-0 start in the centerpiece tournament.

Top rookie pick Stephen Holt had 24 points, while Juami Tiongson chipped in 21 more, fumbling a late chance to send the game into overtime.

The Scores:

TNT 100 – Castro 23, Khobuntin 19, Oftana 19, Galinato 17, Ganuelas-Rosser B. 11, Aurin 4, Montalbo 4, Heruela 3, Ebona 0, Varilla 0, Reyes 0, Ganuelas-Rosser M. 0, Ponferrada 0

TERRAFIRMA 97 – Holt 24, Tiongson 21, Gomez de Liano 18, Go 11, ALolino 9, Ramos 5, Sangalang 5, Carino 2, Camson 2, Olivario 0, Cahilig 0, Calvo 0

Quarterscores: 23-21, 50-41, 73-69, 100-97.