TNT crushes Phoenix for third win
TNT got its groove early and never looked back, decimating Phoenix, 117-98 Friday in the 2017 PBA Philippine Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
KaTropa showed how lethal they can be, with Kelly Williams leading the fort with 18 points and 10 rebounds and Jayson Castro coming off the bench to also unleash 18 markers in the win.
Troy Rosario added 17 points and nine boards, while Kris Rosales got 14 in the win.
TNT also gave coach Nash Racela his first win since officially assuming his role as head coach to improve to 3-2.
Still, it was far from what the first year lead tactician desired as he seeks to further cultivate a new culture with the squad.
“Of course masaya, but this is not the main objective,” Racela said. “We have to continue to build as a team. Marami kaming gustong baguhin and it starts with attitude. But we saw some changes already in this game.”
Racela kept on preaching relentlessness to the KaTropa even though the game was already over and done with in the payoff period.
“We try to push everybody, even if it’s in the last six minutes we want to see consistency and even if you’re up 25, let’s do it right,” he said.
TNT held a 28-point lead, 117-89 with three minutes left to play before the Fuel Masters made a late run and stringed nine straight to trim the spread to just 19.
It was a frustrating week for Phoenix, which earlier suffered a 44-point beating from Star last Saturday, 123-79.
Mark Borboran topped the Fuel Masters with 18 points, 10 coming the fourth, as he shot 7-of-8 shooting from the field.
Phoenix also fell to a 2-3 slate.
The Scores:
TNT 117 – Williams 18, Castro 18, Rosario 17, Rosales 14, Tautuaa 11, Carey 8, Pogoy 7, Reyes 7, De Ocampo 5, Ganuelas-Rosser 5, Tamsi 5, Golla 2, Sumalinog 0.
PHOENIX 98 – Borboran 18, Wright 17, Baguio 15, Intal 11, Alolino 10, Caperal 9, Enciso 6, Miranda 4, J. Wilson 3, W. Wilson 3, Hayes 2, Javillonar 0, Lanete 0, Torres 0.
Quarters: 28-22, 60-45, 90-69, 117-98.
POST GAME INTERVIEW
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
