TNT still undefeated after slipping past NLEX

Jane Bracher

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TNT still undefeated after slipping past NLEX

Josh Albelda/RAPPLER

TNT leads the standings so far with 4-0 while NLEX drops its third straight game for a 1-3 record

MANILA, Philippines – Tropang TNT stays unbeaten with a 4-0 record after escaping the NLEX Road Warriors, 101-95, in the 2016 PBA Governors’ Cup on Wednesday, August 3, at the Smart Aranet Coliseum.

Jayson Castro led the way with 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists. Rookie Troy Rosario, who played his second game since his return from an injury, tallied 20 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks off the bench, including the go-ahead 3-point play with over a minute remaining.

We’re just winning close games, we’re just hanging in there. We don’t give up, we just keep playing,” said head coach Jong Uichico. “As long as we keep playing hard and keeping our poise and discipline on both ends of the floor we can pull through. We just hope that with this (All-Star) break we can improve in more things.”

Import Mario Little finished with 18 points and 9 rebounds plus the wide-open dagger 3-pointer from the corner, off a Jayson Castro dish, to make it a 5-point game with 23.2 seconds left.

Uichico praised his import for providing what TNT lacks, even though it might not necessarily reflect on the stat sheet.

He might not give the numebrs we all expect but he gives something else that the team does not have,” Uichico explained.

“It just doesn’t show in the stats what we see. He’s very good with defensive awareness. He can play the 4 and 3. He’s small and not as strong as the other imports but he makes the defensive system look better. A little of everything.”

Michael Madanly added 10 markers while Kris Rosales had 8 points as TNT sent NLEX to its third straight loss in 4 games.

Henry Walker topscored for the Road Warriors with 26 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Asi Taulava posted 14 points and 6 rebounds in almost 22 minutes.

Sean Anthony and Jonas Villanueva had 12 points each as Mac Baracael chipped in 10 off the bench.

TNT pulled away in the final 71 seconds sparked by Rosario’s breakaway and-one play. Another fastbreak bucket by Ryan Reyes off a Walker turnover provided the Tropa with some cushion with 55.1 ticks remaining. 

The league will be going on its annual All-Star break this weekend and will resume play on Wednesday, August 10. – Rappler.com

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