ANTIPOLO CITY, Philippines – Terrence Jones reached the 40-point mark anew as TNT cruised past Phoenix in a highly charged 114-88 win in the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Center here on Sunday, June 2.

Jones scattered 40 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals to power the KaTropa to their third win in 4 games in the physical match that saw 2 coaches and 4 players thrown out. 

It was as intense at it could get early as Fuel Masters head coach Louie Alas and Jason Perkins were tossed out with just 3 minutes into the game for flagrant misconduct and fighting stance, respectively.

Also involved in the scuffle were TNT’s David and Tony Semerad, who were also ejected for fighting stance. 

Minutes after, KaTropa consultant Mark Dickel was also ejected for throwing the ball. 

Phoenix star forward Calvin Abueva was the last player to be tossed out for clotheslining Jones midway through the final frame, when TNT was already secured of the win. 

Roger Pogoy backstopped Jones with 31 points off 8 triples, while Jayson Castro notched his first career triple-double with 11 points, 13 rebounds, 11 assists and 3 steals. 

The Fuel Masters were on the driver’s set early in the 3rd quarter, 54-52, until the KaTropa mounted a 13-2 to build a nine-point lead before pulling away for good afterwards. 

Matthew Wright finished with 21 points and 3 steals for Phoenix, which slipped to 1-1, while Rob Dozier added 16 points, 12 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 2 steals. 

Abueva had 16 points and 11 rebounds before heading into the locker room, while Justin Chua chipped in 11 points and 6 rebounds in the loss. 

The Scores

TNT 114 – Jones 40, Pogoy 31, Castro 11, Trollano 10, Rosario 9, Reyes 6, Taha 4, Heruela 3, A. Semerad 0, D. Semerad 0, Golla 0, Casino 0, Miranda 0.

Phoenix 88 – Wright 21, Abueva 16, Dozier 16, Chua 11, Mallari 7, Jazul 6, Revilla 5,  Napoles 4, Marcelo 2, Perkins 0, Kramer 0, Wilson 0, Dennison 0.

Quarters: 28-20, 52-52, 82-70, 114-88

– Rappler.com