Parks drops career-high 40 points, powers TNT past Terrafirma

Bobby Parks Jr scorched hot and posted a career-high 40 points in his bubble debut to lift TNT past Terrafirma, 112-101, in the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup held on Tuesday, October 13 at the Angeles University Foundation in Pampanga.

TNT never gave up the lead all throughout the game as Parks, who sat out in the opening game against Alaska last Sunday, October 11, followed Roger Pogoy’s steps and had his own career night, along with 11 boards and 5 assists

“Ine-expect lang namin sa kanila [Parks and Pogoy] is to come out strong. Kailangan ma-rebuild namin ‘yung character ng team,” TNT coach Bong Ravena said. 

“Bonus na lang sa amin ‘yung naka-40 points sila. Hopefully ma-sustain nila ‘yung scoring. Pero isang factor is kapag hindi naka-score ‘yung isa sa amin, the next one should step up. At least pareho pa rin ‘yung scoring namin, hindi nawawalan. Hopefully masu-sustain lang nila.”

(We expect them to come out strong, so we can rebuild the team’s character. The 40-point performance is a bonus for us. Hopefully they can sustain their scoring. If someone struggles in our team, other players step up. Our scoring is always there. I hope they can sustain it.)

Troy Rosario posted his own double-double with 20 points and 15 boards while Pogoy, who scored a career-best 45 points last game, only scored 11 points in 4-of-15 shooting.

Jayson Castro and JP Erram added 15 and 14 points, respectively, for TNT.

Three players for TNT – Parks , Rosario, and Erram – finished the first half in double digits as Rosario’s triple to give the Tropang Giga a 20-point lead, 51-31. 

Terrafirma, though, put up a late rally to narrow the gap, 56-43, at the end of the 2nd quarter.

CJ Perez kept Terrafirma within striking distance in the 3rd quarter, but TNT held on to their double-digit lead all thanks to Parks’ hot hands.

Pogoy buried a corner trey to give the Tropang Giga a commanding 90-75 edge heading to the final 12 minutes of the game.

Parks sank his free throws in the 4th quarter to give TNT another 20-point separation, 95-75, enough to secure their second straight victory.

Perez led Terrafirma in their debut with 30 points and 6 rebounds, while Rashawn Mccarthy and JP Calvo tallied 14 points apiece.

TNT 112 – Parks 40, Rosario 20, Castro 15, Erram 14, Pogoy 11, Reyes 4, Enciso 3, De Leon 3, Vosotros 2, Carey 0, Alejandro 0, Semerad 0.

Terrafirma 101 – Perez 30, Khobuntin 16, Calvo 14, McCarthy 14, Ramos 9, Adams 7, Camson 5, Celda 3, Faundo 2, Gabayni 1, Tiongson 0, Cahilig 0, Batiller 0, Balagasay 0.

– Rappler.com