Jordan leads TNT to key win over Ginebra

Jerome Jordan dunks vs Vernon Macklin PBA IMAGE / Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines—Jerome Jordan scored 23 points and hauled down 17 rebounds to lead Talk ‘N Text to a crucial 100-86 win over Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Sunday night in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Jordan, who also had two assists and two blocks, was a dominant force on both ends of the floor to help the Tropang Texters avoid a twice-to-beat disadvantage in the playoffs.

“Jerome Jordan was a really big help for us. Jordan really did a good job on Macklin one-on-one,” said TNT head coach Norman Black, whose team improved to 7-6.

“It’s another crucial win for us. I don’t think any team wants to be in a twice-to-beat disadvantage, that’s what we’re trying to avoid right now. We’d rather play a best-of-three series,” added Black.

Ranidel de Ocampo added 20 points, six rebounds and six assists while Jayson Castro and Ryan Reyes had 14 and 11 points, respectively.

TNT zoomed to a 17-point lead twice in the first half before Ginebra’s never-say-die mantra got itself to within one, 61-62, on a right elbow jumper by Kerby Raymundo late in the third quarter.

But the Texters got right back into it — finishing the quarter on an 8-2 run capped by a Ryan Reyes basket to regain the momentum for good.

The Kings, who are in danger of falling to no.7, ran out of steam in the final frame as the Texters surged ahead anew with Jordan anchoring their charge.

A dunk by Jordan pushed his team’s lead back to 16, 93-77, before two free throws pushed it to 17, 96-79, with 2:50 left.

The seven-foot Jordan, a former New York Knick, also held his own defensively — limiting his counterpart Vernon Macklin to just 12 points and nine rebounds.