TNT bowed to also-ran Phoenix, days after also losing to an already eliminated Terrafirma in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup. | Photo (c) PBA
RR Pogoy ran the floor with Dave Matthews, then about a few meters from the rim, he timed a perfect spin move, soared, then doled out a no-look, behind the back pass to a streaking Henry Galinato for an easy layup.
That play happened with still 9:33 remaining in the fourth period and TNT already toying with Phoenix on the way to a 106-70 decision in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup on Friday, Jan. 24.
The pass was one of three assists Pogoy dished out in the win that guaranteed the Tropang Giga a spot in the quarterfinals with a 7-3 win-loss record.
He also wound up with 12 points, six rebounds, and a steal for the Tropang Giga, who rebounded from an embarrassing loss to Terrafirma in their previous outing.
“Siguro nung last game parang ang selfish namin. Hindi kami nagtutulungan. Nakita namin ngayon, kung sino 'yung kailangan tulungan, nagtutulungan na kami lalo sa help side,” said Pogoy after the match at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson led TNT’s balanced scoring with 15 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, two steals, and two blocks.
Kim Aurin and Calvin Oftana chipped in 11 points each for the Tropang Giga, who also used 25-14 second quarter assault to set up the breakaway.
Meanwhile, Tyler Tio paced Phoenix with 13 points, two rebounds, two assists, and a steal.
Donovan Smith submitted 11 points and 15 rebounds as the Fuel Masters wrapped up their conference with a 3-9 win-loss tally.
The Scores:
TNT 106 – Hollis-Jefferson 15, Pogoy 12, Oftana 11, Aurin 11, Nambatac 8, Williams 8, Galinato 8, Castro 6, heruela 6, Razon 6, Ebona 4, Khobuntin 4, Exciminiano 3, Payawal 2, Erram 2, Varilla 0.
PHOENIX 70 – Tio 14, Smith 11, Ballungay 11, Manganti 7, Tuffin 6, Jazul 5, Perkins 5, Muyang 2, Garcia 2, Alejandro 1, Rivero 0, Salado 0, Verano 0, Daves 0, Camacho 0.
Quarterscores: 24-21, 49-35, 78-50, 106-70