TNT Tropang Giga’s Calvin Oftana in the PBA Philippine Cup game in Candon. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–TNT rediscovered its groove just in time to upend NLEX, 104-101, in the PBA Philippine Cup in Candon, Ilocos Sur.
Calvin Oftana caught fire in the final period, scoring 15 of his total 37 points to go with 12 rebounds, helping the Tropang Giga past their streaking sister team in a thrilling clash at Candon City Arena.
Roger Pogoy tossed in 21 points, Jayson Castro 16 while Glenn Khobuntin 11 as Chot Reyes-mentored squad improved to a 4-3 win-loss mark and joined Rain or Shine which took care of business against Terrafirma in Caloocan during an earlier duel, effectively muddling the race of among teams in the middle of the pack.
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Robbie Herndon paced NLEX with 25 points, his efforts allowing the Road Warriors to enjoy cushions as comfy as 12 points.
Robert Bolick, the early leader of the Best Player of the Conference derby, added 23 more in the losing effort that saw the club’s winning streak end in four games.
NLEX thus dropped to 5-2, its mark still good enough to keep itself away from the brewing logjam among NorthPort and traditional powerhouses Barangay Ginebra and TNT.
TNT’s triumph should be a welcome boost ahead of its fancied clash with the crowd-darling Gin Kings slated April 19.
Bolick and the rest of Frankie Lim’s crew, meanwhile, hope to rebound against Phoenix in a match scheduled for April 20.