Castro leads TNT past Alaska in tight game

MANILA, Philippines – Jayson Castro finished with 26 points, 10 assists, 5 steals, and 4 rebounds to lead TNT KaTropa past the Alaska Aces in a close battle, 120-118, on Friday, July 29, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. 

Castro was one of the 6 TNT players who scored in double figures as the team improved to a 3-0 record in the Governors’ Cup.

The Aces, who dropped to 1-2, were led by the 35 points and 14 rebounds of import LaDontae Henton.

TNT looked poised for the win when it was ahead 118-112 with 21 seconds left, but a 3-pointer by Dondon Hontiveros trimmed the lead to 3.

After Asian import Michael Madanly split his charities, Hontiveros knocked in another triple to make it a one-point game with 3 seconds left. 

Castro was then fouled and hit both charities with one second left on the clock, which wasn’t enough time for Alaska to get up an attempt.

Moala Tautuaa scored 18 points for TNT while Ranidel De Ocampo added 17 points and 11 boards.

Hontiveros went 8-of-8 from the field and registered 22 points.

Scores:

TNT KaTropa (120): Castro 26, Tautuaa 18, De Ocampo 17, Madanly 15, Reyes R. 15, Little 12, Rosales 9, Carey 5, Nuyles 2, Fonacier 1, Rosario 0, Williams 0, Seigle 0

Alaska (118): Henton 35, Hontiveros 22, Jazul 19, Bancero 18, Racal 7, Casio 5, Manuel 5, Dela Rosa 4, Baclao 3, Exciminiano 0, Menk 0, Thoss 0

Quarter scores: 22-23, 45-55, 82-86, 120-118  – Rappler.com