MANILA — TNT Tropang 5G snapped back to form in emphatic fashion as import Bol Manute Bol unleashed a dominant double-double to power a 101-89 victory over Terrafirma Dyip in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup on Saturday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Bol dictated the tempo on both ends, finishing with 35 points and 14 rebounds, while Calvin Oftana provided crucial support with 20 points and 12 boards as TNT improved to a 3-2 record and regained momentum in the mid-conference grind.
The Tropang 5G wasted no time asserting control, storming to a 33-22 lead in the opening quarter before stretching the margin to as much as 22 points, 76-64, in the third period following a conversion by Roger Pogoy.
Terrafirma, however, refused to fold and mounted a late surge, slicing the deficit to 88-94 in the fourth quarter to threaten a comeback.
But TNT held its ground when it mattered most, as Oftana drilled a timely three-pointer before veteran Kelly Williams calmly sank his free throws to seal the victory.
Ali Mubashar led the Dyip with a double-double of 24 points and 17 rebounds, while Jerrick Ahanmisi and Brent Paraiso chipped in 19 and 11 points, respectively, as Terrafirma slipped to a 3-3 slate.
In the other game, the Meralco Bolts survived a gritty challenge from the Macau Black Knights, escaping with a 115-110 win to strengthen their hold near the top of the standings.
Meralco appeared headed for a comfortable finish before Macau clawed back, trimming the gap to a single point, 110-111, off a split free throw by Ramon Cao.
The Bolts responded with poise, as Marvin Jones converted inside to push the lead to 113-110, followed by a defensive stop that denied the Black Knights a potential game-tying triple.
Jansen Rios then delivered the finishing blow with a layup in the final 10 seconds to secure the win.
Jones led the Bolts with 32 points and 14 rebounds, CJ Cansino added 23, while Jason Brickman and Chris Newsome contributed 13 and 11, respectively, as Meralco improved to 5-1.
Peter Shackleford paced Macau with 29 points, Jenning Leung had 21, while Cao, Tony Mitchell Jr., and Damian Chongqui added 20, 16, and 13, respectively, as the Black Knights remained winless at 0-6./PN
