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[av_heading heading=’TNT turns back Alaska ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”]
BY ADRIAN STEWART CO
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MANILA – TNT KaTropa displayed its offensive firepower from start to finish and fended off Alaska Aces 106-98 in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.
Jeth Troy Rosario led the way with 21 points, including five triples. Moala Tautuaa had 19 markers while Jayson Castro and Ryan Garcia contributed 18 and 11 points, respectively, for KaTropa (1-1) on Friday night.
The victory was a huge morale boost for KaTropa before it faces three-time defending champion San Miguel Beermen in an out-of-town game at the University of San Agustin Gym in Iloilo City on Jan. 13.
“It’s always hard to get the first win, especially that our next game would be San Miguel,” said KaTropa head coach Nash Racela. “It’s really nice for us to end the year with our first win this conference.”
From a seesaw affair early in the opening half, KaTropa pulled away on three straight outside conversions by Rosario and inside hits by Monbert Arong and Castro for a 58-49 lead at the half.
Aces tried to keep the game to within single digits early in the third period but KaTropa leaned on back-to-back hits from Tautuaa, Garcia and Castro to open up an 81-69 edge.
KaTropa went on to build its largest lead at 90-76 early in the fourth on a basket by Sidney Onwubere. Aces did not give up, managing to claw its way back to 95-102, but an inside hit by Castro and free throws by Garcia sealed the win for KaTropa.
Rookie Jeron Teng finished with career-best 28 points while Jayvee Casio and Calvin Abueva had 17 and 16 points, respectively, for Aces, which tied with Kia Picanto with a 0-2 record./PN
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