TNT demolishes Phoenix in Castro’s return

MANILA, Philippines – Guard Jayson Castro had a successful return from hamstring injury, scoring 10 points and dishing out 14 assists with two blocks to boot as the TNT KaTropa made it to the win column in the 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

TNT had a scintillating third quarter performance that saw them shoot over 70% from the field, hand out 12 assists, and outscore the Phoenix Fuel Masters by 41-27 on its way to a commanding 134-109 victory on Sunday, March 26 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

A total of 8 TNT players finished in double figures, including all 5 starters, as the KaTropa tallied a whopping 38 assists while shooting an impressive 60% from the field. They were 12-of-26 from deep and 22-of-37 from the free throw line.

It was a game in which all cylinders clicked for TNT as import Lou Amundsun led with a team-high 20 points plus 8 rebounds, a steal, and two blocks.

Troy Rosario and Ranidel De Ocampo each had 18 points while RR Pogoy and Mo Tautuaa had 17 and 14 markers, respectively.

Kelly Williams collected 12 points while Ryan Reyes added 10 as the KaTropa led by as much as 35 and upped their record to an even 1-1.

It wasn’t a particularly bad game for the Fuel Masters, who totaled 21 assists and 43% shooting, including 27-of-34 from the stripe. But knocking down just 6 of their 26 3-point attempts wasn’t nearly enough to match the offensive firepower and steadily humming motor of TNT anchored by Castro’s exceptional playmaking.

Import Jameel McKay once again posted huge numbers with 31 points, 11 boards, and 4 rejections. Cyrus Baguio caught fire with 17 points on top of 4 rebounds and 4 assists off the bench.

Karl Dehesa and Doug Kramer combined for 24 points while RJ Jazul had 11 as Phoenix dipped to a 1-2 slate.

Scores: 

TNT (134): Amundson 20, De Ocampo 18, Rosario 18, Pogoy 17, Tautuaa 14, Williams 12, Castro 10, Reyes 10, Carey 6, Fonacier 3, Hernandez 3, Rosales 3, Ganuelas-Rosser 0, Tamsi 0.

Phoenix (109): McKay 31, Baguio 17, Dehesa 12, Kramer 12, Jazul 11, Intal 8, Viernes 6, Miranda 5, W. Wilson 5, Alolino 2, Borboran 0, Torres 0, J. Wilson 0, Wright 0.

Quarter scores: 31-30, 59-48, 100-75, 134-109.

– Rappler.com