TNT KaTropa made sure the game was over right away even before it got warm.
Using a blistering salvo to open the game, the Tropang Texters hardly broke a sweat in annihilating Columbian Dyip, 123-95, to regain a share on the lead in the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Friday night.
Having a balanced attack is slowly becoming the trademark of TNT as it had six players scoring in double-figures.
Troy Rosario was at the forefront of the Texters’ assault, scoring a team-high 21 points on 71-percent shooting.
Terrence Romeo had a complete game of 19 points, seven boards, and five dimes, while Jericho Cruz likewise had a well-rounded game with 17 points, six rebounds and seven assists.
With everyone contributing, it was a lopsided affair from the get-go as TNT put its foot in the gas pedal right away and never looked back.
Just nine minutes into the game, the Tropang Texters already build a gigantic 19-point bubble, 30-11, which they kept going to the second frame, 36-17, following a sizzling start where everything was clicking.
That was just the beginning of the end for Columbian as it suffered 36 more minutes of pounding at the hands of TNT KaTropa, who played like the team at the top of the heap.
By the second quarter, TNT already held on to 20-point leads, further doing damage and cruising the rest of the way.
As a result, the Tropang Texters improved to 5-1 and tied Rain or Shine in the first place. Moreover, it moved a step closer to gaining a spot in the quarterfinals with the elimination round hitting its halfway point.
Returning import Joshua Smith made his tournament debut with 11 points, so did Kelly Williams and Don Trollano to help TNT.
After a promising start, the Dyip are suddenly skidding, having lost two in a row to drop to 3-4.
Despite his team’s defeat, John Fields led all scorers with a double-double outing of game-highs 34 points and 20 rebounds for Columbian.
The Dyip were never in the game as TNT didn’t allow them to get going.