TNT third quarter blitz takes power out of Meralco

MANILA, Philippines – The TNT KaTropa banked on a 39-24 third quarter surge to propel them to a 113-95 rout of the Meralco Bolts for a 1-0 lead during their best-of-5 semifinals in the 2016 PBA Governors’ Cup on Tuesday, September 27, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Playing toe-to-toe for the first two quarters, TNT zipped past its sister team with Asian import Michael Madanly and guard Jayson Castro leading the third quarter blitz.

“Both teams were missing and making shots in the first half. In the third quarter they missed some shots and they were able to convert on the other end, which is the way the game is,” said head coach Jong Uichico.

Madanly scored a team-high 22 points off the bench, 20 of which he poured in the second half, as he buried 4 of his 6 triple attempts.

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Rookie Troy Rosario had 16 points and 4 rebounds while import Mychal Ammons chipped in 15 points and 11 boards. Castro went 3-of-15 from the field but still registered 14 points plus 9 assists, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals.

Ranidel De Ocampo added 12 markers, 8 boards, and 4 dimes.

“It’s just the first game. It’s a series. Meralco can come back,” noted Uichico. “We still have to play because we haven’t accomplished anything. It’s good that we won but we need 3 wins.”

Allen Durham led Meralco with an all-around game of 26 points, 21 rebounds, 7 assists, one steal, and 3 blocks. He had only one turnover.

Cliff Hodge contributed 16 points along with 8 rebounds as Jared Dillinger struggled with 12 points off of 5-of-15 field goals.

Game 3 of this series is on Thursday, September 29, 7 pm at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Scores:

TNT (113): Madanly 22, Rosario 16, Ammons 15, Castro 14, De Ocampo 12, Fonacier 9, Williams 8, Reyes 6, Rosales 6, Tautuaa 5, Ababou 0, Rosser 0.

Meralco (95): Durham 26, Hodge 16, Dillinger 12, Alapag 8, Amer 8, Hugnatan 8, Faundo 6, Nabong 3, Newsome 3, Uyloan 3, Al-Hussaini 2, Buenafe 0, Guevarra 0.

Quarter scores: 24-23, 45-43, 84-67, 113-95.

– Rappler.com