MANILA — TNT Tropang 5G rode on a historic offensive explosion from Bol Bol, who poured in a PBA season-high 48 points, to narrowly escape Blackwater Bossing, 99-94, in a tense Philippine Basketball Association Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup clash Tuesday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Bol delivered a dominant all-around performance, shooting 17-of-21 from the free throw line while adding 11 rebounds, seven blocks, and a steal, as TNT improved to a 4-2 record despite nearly squandering a double-digit lead in the closing minutes.
The Tropang 5G appeared in full control after building a 13-point cushion with over four minutes remaining, but the Bossing mounted a furious rally behind Dalph Panopio, Robert Upshaw III, and Sedrick Barefield to trim the deficit to just one, 94-95.
Blackwater even had a chance to steal the game, but Barefield missed a crucial triple, allowing TNT to regain control. An inside basket from Calvin Oftana followed by two clutch free throws from Bol sealed the victory.
Jayson Castro was the only other TNT player in double figures with 10 points.
“Well, we do not have an illusion that this is going to be an easy game. We are prepared for a hard game because we do not know how Blackwater will play (under new coach Pat Aquino),” said TNT head coach Chot Reyes.
Upshaw paced Blackwater with 36 points, while Panopio added 17 markers. Barefield and Christian David chipped in 12 points each as the Bossing dropped to a 1-5 slate.
In the nightcap, NLEX Road Warriors unleashed a blistering fourth-quarter surge to turn back Macau Black Knights, 106-97.
Trailing by four entering the final period, NLEX ignited an 11-1 run behind JB Bahio, Cady Lalanne, and Robert Bolick Jr. to seize a 100-91 advantage.
The Black Knights threatened one last time, cutting the gap to 97-100 with under a minute left, but a four-point play by Deschon Winston and finishing baskets from LJay Gonzales and Lalanne put the game away.
Lalanne powered the Road Warriors with a double-double of 28 points and 18 rebounds, along with one assist, as NLEX climbed to a share of second place with Meralco Bolts at 5-1./PN
