MANILA — Bol Bol unleashed a dominant 40-point, 15-rebound performance as TNT Tropang 5G finally broke into the win column, outlasting NLEX Road Warriors, 103-97, in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Bol imposed his will on both ends, adding two blocks and an assist in a double-double effort that powered the defending champions to a 1-1 record. But with the game hanging in the balance, it was the clutch execution of Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and Jordan Heading that proved decisive.
The duo delivered timely baskets to snap a 91-all deadlock, allowing TNT to pull away in the closing minutes and secure the victory.
Heading, who was held scoreless in TNT’s 112-109 loss to Rain or Shine last Friday, bounced back with 15 points, while Ganuelas-Rosser and Calvin Oftana chipped in 14 apiece.
Cady Lalanne led NLEX with 25 points and 21 rebounds, while Robert Bolick added 21 markers. Deschon Winston and Anthony Semerad contributed 18 points each as the Road Warriors slipped to a 2-1 slate.
In the earlier game, Sedrick Barefield caught fire in the second half as Blackwater Bossing stormed back from a double-digit deficit to stun Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots, 97-91.
Blackwater trailed by as many as 11 points, 57-68, in the third quarter before Barefield ignited the rally with consecutive three-pointers. Import Robert Upshaw III followed with a four-pointer to cut the deficit to five, 67-72.
Barefield sustained his scoring surge into the fourth quarter, powering the Bossing to an 87-81 lead. Magnolia threatened after Ian Sangalang drilled a triple to trim the gap to 87-84.
Upshaw answered with a clutch four-pointer to stretch the lead to 91-84. After Sangalang converted inside, RK Ilagan sealed the victory with two free throws.
Barefield finished with 26 points, highlighted by six triples, while Upshaw impressed in his Blackwater debut with 35 points, 14 rebounds, six assists, and three blocks as the Bossing improved to a 1-2 record./PN
