PBA: Jayson Castro stars as TNT turn backs Blackwater

TNT Tropang Giga veteran guard Jayson Castro during a PBA Commissioner’s Cup game against Blackwater Bossing. –PBA IMAGES

Jayson Castro finally saw action for TNT and came through with a key performance in beating Blackwater, 109-93, Thursday in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Most Valuable Player of the Governors’ Cup Finals scored 16 points in 18 minutes off the bench highlighted by a buzzer-beating four-point shot before halftime to give the Tropang Giga a 2-2 record.

It was the second straight win for TNT after opening the midseason conference with back-to-back defeats.

READ: Jayson Castro proves experience still rules

Castro was given an extended rest by the Tropang Giga, especially after his vital performance last November when they beat Barangay Ginebra for the first conference crown.

Import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson had 22 points, nine rebounds, six assists and two steals while Rey Nambatac and Calvin Oftana added 19 and 18 in the Tropang Giga victory.

READ: PBA Finals: ‘Fresh’ Jayson Castro provides the goods for TNT

But TNT dealt with a scary situation in the second half when Poy Erram landed awkwardly while going for a basket and didn’t return.

Erram had to be helped back to the bench, but appeared to be moving alright despite feeling a bit of pain as he watched the rest of the contest.
TNT’s defense also held Blackwater’s high-scoring import George King to 28 points on 10-of-22 shooting.

Blackwater dropped to 1-5 after playing minus rookie guard Sedrick Barefield, who didn’t see action for the second time in the last three matches.