TNT takes quarterfinals seat at expense of Globalport
A defensive stop in the end had TNT KaTropa holding off a never-say-die GlobalPort side in an exciting duel marked by wild momentum swings.
Foiling Stanley Pringle’s attack in the closing seconds, the Texters survived losing two huge leads in a 102-98 win over the Batang Pier that sent TNT into an automatic quarters passage in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome Wednesday.
TNT closes out its elims stint versus tournament leader San Miguel Beer on Saturday at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo, with the Texters going for a 7-4 closing record that will give them a shot at a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarters.
The Batang Pier put up a gallant stand, fighting back from 16 points down in the third and from a 19-point deficit midway through the fourth, but fell short in their bid.
Running into a stonewall TNT defense, Pringle threw away their final possession and the Batang Pier dropped down to joint seventh place with the Barangay Ginebra Kings at 5-5.
They play the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on a crucial game Sunday at the Cuneta Astrodome, with both sides going all out to avoid complication of a tie for eighth place.
Troy Rosario, committing a crucial offensive foul with 24.1 seconds to go, atoned for it in the next play by helping two teammates put up a defensive blanket that forced Pringle to throw an errant pass.
Himself getting a desperate foul from Mick Pennisi, Rosario nailed two pressure-packed free throws with three ticks to go as the Texters salvaged the game where they blew a 75-69 bubble in the third and a 94-73 spread in the fourth.
Mike Cortez starred in their third-quarter chase then Terrence Romeo shone in their fourth-quarter uprising.
But with the loss, Romeo’s spectacular all-around numbers – 35 points, nine rebounds and six assists – went to naught along with Cortez’s season-best 15 markers.
Rookie Roger Pogoy top scored with 20 points for the Texters who drew 18 from Moala Tautuaa, 16 from Jason Castro and 12 from Kelly Williams.
Castro fired three triples to highlight a 19-0 attack by TNT after losing their initial huge spread.
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.
