MANILA – TNT Tropang 5G overcame a slow start to take down Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 111-103, in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Roger Pogoy, John Paul Erram, and Calvin Oftana served as a three-headed monster for the Tropang 5G as they recovered from an early 14-point deficit to secure their fourth consecutive victory on Wednesday night.
Pogoy led the way with a season-high of 35 points, Erram chipped in a career-high of 31 markers to go with six rebounds, two steals, and two blocks, while Oftana contributed 28 markers for TNT, who improved to a 4-3 win-loss slate.
Tropang 5G head coach Vincent “Chot” Reyes said things turned around for them when he was called for a technical four with the Rain or Shine leading by 11 points early in the second quarter.
“When I got my technical foul, that’s when we start to make a run,” Reyes said after the game. “Rain or Shine was really playing well, they are hitting all their shots, while we cannot make our shots.”
“But we set our goal of limiting them below 100, Rain or Shine is No. 1 in terms of points per game this conference,” he added. “In the end, it was just our defense that won us this game.”
Andrei Caracut top-scored for the Painters with 20 points, Gian Mamuyac added 18 markers, while Jhonard Clarito and Keith Datu contributed 17 and 10 markers, respectively, as they fell to a 4-3 record.
Meanwhile, Meralco Bolts snapped a two-game losing streak with a convincing 103-85 win over Blackwater Bossing.
Chris Newsome paced the Bolts with 19 points, seven rebounds, and three steals, while rookie CJ Cansino chipped in 14 points. Chris Banchero also delivered an all-around effort with 13 points, seven boards, and four assists.
Raymar Jose and Brandon Bates added 12 and 10 points, respectively, helping the Bolts climb to a 4-5 record in the standings./PN
BOX SCORE:
TNT 111 – Pogoy 35, Erram 31, Oftana 28, Enciso 8, Khobuntin 5, Aurin 3, Razon 1, Varilla 0, Williams 0, Heruela 0.
RAIN OR SHINE 103 – Caracut 20, Mamuyac 18, Clarito 17, Datu 10, Nocum 8, Santillan 7, Norwood 7, Lemetti 6, Malonzo 5, Asistio 5, Belga 0.
Quarterscores: 20-31, 44-45, 77-74, 111-103.
