TNT stays unscathed, hands Meralco its first loss

TNT escaped Meralco, 98-95, in the 2016 PBA Governors’ Cup Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Tropa kept their record spotless at 2-0 despite going scoreless in the final three minutes and 22 seconds.

“Two games in a row, medyo close, but it’s good that we’re able to hang in there and come up with a win. Hopefully, we can become consistent in the way we’re playing,” said TNT head coach Jong Uichico.

Jared Dillinger had a great look but missed the potential game-tying triple as the Bolts suffered their first loss in three games.

Jayson Castro scored a game-high 24 points while imports Michael Madanly and Mario Little added 14 each for TNT, which is still missing the services of Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, Troy Rosario and Kelly Williams.

“You’d like them to be in the game The players now are trying to find their niche in the game. We’re playing pretty good defense. The guys here are doing their best to help us survive,” Uichico said of his injured players.

A three-point play by Harvey Carey put TNT ahead by nine, 98-89, with 3:22 remaining before Meralco went on a 6-0 run to cut it to three.

Cliff Hodge led the Bolts with 18 points that went with eight rebounds while Allen Durham had a double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds.

The scores:

TNT KATROPA 98 – Castro 24, Little 14, Madanly 14, Rosales 13, De Ocampo 9, Tautuaa 8, Reyes R. 6, Carey 5, Fonacier 5.

MERALCO 95 – Hodge 18, Dillinger 15, Durham 14, Alapag 11, Jamshidi 10, Newsome 9, Hugnatan 8, Nabong 8, Buenafe 2, Caram 0, Faundo 0.

Quarters: 30-24, 50-52, 74-74, 98-95

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