IN its most impressive victory thus far, TNT KaTropa came out with a lot of fire to snap Alaska’s streak and score a decisive 109-100 triumph—its second straight win in the 2016-17 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City last night.
Troy Rosario had his best game of the tournament, scoring a season-high 25 points to go with six boards to lead the Tropang Texters, while getting help from Jayson Castro and Larry Fonacier, who each added 16 markers.
TNT KaTropa, who led by twin-digits for most part of the game, is now tied for second place with Blackwater as they both have similar 4-2 cards, while Alaska slipped into the bottom half with its 3-3 mark after getting its three-game winning streak halted.
Right from the get-go, the Tropang Texters were already right on cue, clicking on all cylinders to systematically pull away.
They zoomed to a 31-22 head-start after one and then grew their lead to a sizeable 16-point margin, 54-38, at the half behind Rosario’s 16 points in the first 24 minutes.
Though the Aces came within single-digit several times in the second half, TNT KaTropa was able to fend off every uprising to remain in firm control and eventually seal the victory.
For tomorrow, the action continues for the league as a pair of games are set to take centerstage in its Christmas offerings.
Second-running Blackwater (4-2) takes on hapless Mahindra (0-5) at 3 p.m. and it will be followed by the much-anticipated Christmas main attraction between rampaging Star (3-2) and Barangay Ginebra (2-3), two of the league’s crowd-darlings, at 5:15 p.m.
The games will be held at the 55-seater Philippine Arena in Bulacan, where the league will hold its second playdate in history with the first one being the record-breaking opening of the 40th season two years back.
The Hotshots will enter this contest as one of the league’s hottest teams, having racked up three victories in a row after losing their first two as they are slowly but surely making things work.
As for the Gin Kings, they are yet to find their rhythm as they’ve been inconsistent through five games.
Star took down Rain or Shine, 99-91, last Sunday for its third straight win, while Ginebra suffered a tough 101-86 beatdown
The scores:
TNT 109—Rosario 26, Castro 16, Fonacier 16, De Ocampo 10, Tautuaa 9, Rosser 9, Williams 8, Reyes 6, Rosales 6, Carey 3, Pogoy 0, Tamsi 0, Golla 0.
ALASKA 100—Abueva 18, Manuel 16, Racal 14, Banchero 12, Dela Cruz 8, Casio 7, Exciminiano 6, Mendoza 5, Cruz 3, Hontiveros 3, Pascual 2.
Quarterscores: 31-22, 54-38, 77-70, 109-100