Showing why it is the league’s hottest team, TNT KaTropa notched its fifth straight win at the expense of Columbian, 109-102, to regain solo leadership in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City last night.
Terrence Jones provided the goods once again for the Tropang Texters, delivering a game-high of 39 points, 17 rebounds and six assists for another complete performance.
Back after missing the team’s last game due to his wedding, Jayson Castro did not miss a beat, providing plenty of support with 22 points, five rebounds and six dimes off the bench.
TNT KaTropa improved to a league-best 7-1 card, while Columbian, on the other hand, slipped to 11th place with its abysmal 1-5 mark.
A strong start in the fourth did wonders for the Tropang Texters.
They erected a decisive 21-9 surge that gave them complete control and eventually, the victory.
Only ahead by two entering the final 12 minutes, the Texters suddenly opened up a commanding 94-80 advantage after a Castro triple with exactly five minutes remaining.
That was all it took for TNT KaTropa to extend its winning run even with Columbian narrowing the gap in the final score.
Roger Pogoy added 16 points and six rebounds for TNT.
It was practically a neck-to-neck battle through the first three quarters with neither team gaining any significant advantage.
TNT carried a slim 73-71 lead heading to the fourth period.
Lester Prosper led the Dyip with 37 points and 20 rebounds for a double-double in the losing cause.
The scores:
TNT 109—Jones 39, Castro 22, Pogoy 16, Rosario 8, Reyes 8, Trollano 5, Taha 4, T. Semerad 3, D. Semerad 2, Heruela 2, Carey 0.
Columbian 102—Prosper 37, Perez 22, Calvo 15, Corpuz 8, McCarthy 5, Celda 5, Khobuntin 4, Cahilig 4, Agovida 0, Reyes 0, Camson 0.
Quarterscores: 22-27, 51-50, 73-71, 109-102