MANILA, Philippines – What it lacked in height, TNT compensated with firepower.

Despite playing without an import, the KaTropa thrashed the Blackwater Elite, 120-101, to return to their winning ways in the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Araneta Coliseum on Friday, May 18. 

Seven players finished in double figures as the KaTropa, who parted ways with import Jeremy Tyler and paraded an all-Filipino lineup, proved too much to handle for the listless Elite.

Ryan Reyes fired 18 points on top of 4 assists, 3 steals and two rebounds while Troy Rosario churned out a double-double of 17 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists for TNT, which improved to 4-1 to share the top spot with Rain or Shine.

It was a close affair midway through the 3rd quarter with TNT leading by a measly two points, 61-59, until it surged ahead with a 12-0 run, capped by a Jericho Cruz triple and layup, to pull away for good.

The KaTropa’s lead swelled to as much as 20 points in the payoff period following a Rosario layup, 102-82.

RR Pogoy chipped in 15 points and 7 rebounds and Jayson Castro and Anthony Semerad added 14 points apiece in the win. Terrence Romeo, meanwhile, scored all of his 12 points in the first half alone for TNT. 

“It’s nice that the locals were really up for the challenge,” said TNT head coach Nash Racela. “At least today, everybody was ready to contribute. It really helped us today.”

Even without a hulking center in the middle, the KaTropa had 13 more boards than the Elite and 8 more points in the paint. 

TNT was also able to limit Blackwater import Jarrid Famous to a season-low 11 points on a 2-of-5 shooting. 

Poy Erram paced the Elite, who remained winless in 6 outings, with 16 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists while Paul Zamar added 15 markers. 

The Scores:

TNT (120): Reyes 18, Rosario 17, Pogoy 15, Castro 14, Semerad 14, Romeo 12, Cruz 11, Trollano 7, Taha 5, Carey 4, Nuyles 2, Garcia 1, Paredes 0, Saitanan 0, Golla 0

Blackwater (101): Erram 16, Zamar 15, Digregorio 14, Palma 12, Famous 11, Belo 11, Cortez 9, Maliksi 6, Sumang 5, Pinto 2, Jose 0, Sena 0 

Quarter scores: 25-20, 52-47, 87-72, 120-101

– Rappler.com