PBA: TNT closes in on Finals spot, fends off Meralco in Game 3

FILE – TNT big man Troy Rosario. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–TNT used a fiery third period to pull the rug from under Meralco, 101-97, and seize control of their PBA Governors’ Cup race-to-three semifinal duel Thursday night at Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

All of KaTropa’s starters were able to deliver twin-digit scores, with Troy Rosario leading the way with 25 points.

“We were way, way better on defense than the last game,” said coach Bong Ravena whose charges moved a win away from tabbing a finals berth.

“Their backs are against the wall, so we couldn’t afford to be careless,” he added of the Bolts, who again got the goods from Allen Durham, who finished with 32 points, 19 rebounds, and seven assists.

TNT hopes to wrap the series up on Saturday 6:30 p.m. at Ynares Center in Antipolo, Rizal.

The scores:

TNT 101 – Rosario 25, McDaniels 18, Castro 17, Pogoy 15, Parks 12, Reyes 9, De Leon 5, Digregorio 0, Williams 0, Vosotros 0.

Meralco 97 – Durham 32, Newsome 20, Amer 19, Quinto 8, Pinto 5, Caram 4, Almazan 4, Hodge 3, Maliksi 2, Faundo 0.

Quarterscores: 23-29, 42-51, 77-71, 101-97.