TNT’s rout of Phoenix shows bounce-back character

TNT Tropang Giga Rondae Hollis Jefferson in a game against Phoenix Fuel Masters in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. –PBA IMAGES

Coach Chot Reyes is hoping that the uncharacteristic loss to Terrafirma would serve as a cautionary tale for TNT now that it has assured itself of a slot in the quarterfinals of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

“Hopefully, we’re able to take that lesson to heart,” Reyes said as the Tropang Giga bounced back on Friday by clobbering the eliminated Phoenix Fuel Masters, 106-70, at Ynares Center here in Antipolo City.

Article continues after this advertisement

The most lopsided game of the eliminations assured TNT of being the sixth team to qualify for the next phase of the midseason tournament, with two games left against San Miguel Beer and Rain or Shine representing chances to improve on its ranking.

The Tropang Giga improved to 7-3 for a three-way tie for third with the Meralco Bolts and guest team Hong Kong Eastern.

TNT battles San Miguel on Sunday in a matchup that could determine if a top two slot and the twice-to-beat advantage in the quarters is still a possibility. San Miguel was facing Converge at press time, desperately needing a victory to gain ground on Magnolia and NLEX for No. 8.

Article continues after this advertisement

San Miguel was sporting a 4-6 record against a Converge side aiming to end the eliminations with a 9-3 slate and a momentary hold of the top spot in the standings.

But the Tropang Giga will look to make sure that they can get back the form that allowed them to bounce back from a 0-2 start by winning six in a row, before being beaten in unexpected fashion by the Dyip.

The brutal lesson against Terrafirma, which saw TNT trail by as many as 31 after allowing a barrage of threes in the second half, came after a terrific performance that saw the Tropang Giga continue their mastery of Barangay Ginebra last Jan. 17 with a 91-86 win.

As good as TNT played in the first meeting against Ginebra since the Governors’ Cup Finals, it was a complete opposite against a Terrafirma side that averted a winless conference with a 117-108 triumph.

Ignored reminders

“I guess no matter how much we reminded our players, no matter how we talked to them, I guess it was hard [for them] to believe what we were trying to warn them about,” Reyes said. “Terrafirma played a good game and while we had no problem, offensively, we just couldn’t stop their offensive incursions.”

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson posted 15 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks in 28 minutes against the Fuel Masters, while RR Pogoy had 12 points, six rebounds and three assists.

TNT also pummeled Phoenix by hitting 15 threes, including two each from Calvin Oftana and Kim Aurin. Both finished with 11 points apiece. INQ