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NLEX gives Grand Slam-seeking TNT a rude welcome in the PBA Philippine Cup, while Barangay Ginebra kicks off its campaign in the season-ending conference on a sizzling note with a 21-point blowout of Terrafirma
MANILA, Philippines – TNT’s bid for a rare Grand Slam got off to an ugly start in the PBA Philippine Cup as NLEX gave the Tropang 5G a rude welcome in the season-ending conference with a 91-74 blowout at the Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, April 23.
The Road Warriors leaned on a balanced attack to spoil the Tropang 5G’s debut as six players scored in double figures with Robert Bolick, JB Bahio, and Xyrus Torres leading the charge with 13 points each.
Javee Mocon poured in 11 points, while Enoch Valdez and Brandon Ramirez scored 10 markers each for the Road Warriors, who claimed their second straight win for a 2-1 slate.
“We knew [TNT] had little practice time coming off a championship,” said NLEX coach Jong Uichico in Filipino as he believes the Tropang 5G are still suffering from a championship hangover after ruling the Commissioners’ Cup less than a month ago.
“We’re lucky that we were their first game. They’re still feeling things out,” he added.
After a tight opening period, where TNT only trailed by 2 points, 19-21, NLEX pulled away in the second frame and created a 47-31 separation with 1:10 to play in the quarter.
TNT showed some signs of life midway through the third, cutting the deficit back to just 6, 49-55, but NLEX quickly responded with a 7-0 run to bring its lead back to double figures which they maintained until the final buzzer.
Roger Pogoy paced the Tropang 5G with 12 points, while Kelly Williams chipped in 11.
Former San Miguel Beermen guard Simon Enciso — who was picked up by the Tropang 5G from the free agent market — contributed 9 points in his return in a TNT uniform.
Meanwhile, the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings kicked off their Philippine Cup campaign on a sizzling note after making light work of the Terrafirma Dyip, 101-80.
Japeth Aguilar put on a show for the redemption-seeking Gin Kings as he erupted for 30 points on an ultra-efficient 12-of-15 shooting, together with 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 4 blocks.
Aguilar did most of his damage in the first half, dropping 22 of his 30 points in the first two quarters to help Ginebra build a 51-35 cushion at the break.
Despite losing Jeremiah Gray early on due to an apparent right knee injury, the Gin Kings — who also played minus Jamie Malonzo — hardly broke a sweat in the second half as they pushed their lead to as many as 22 points in the third quarter, 62-40, and never looked back the rest of the way.
RJ Abarrientos added 14 points for Ginebra, while Scottie Thompson — the youngest player in the PBA’s 50 Greatest Players list — delivered an all-around game of 11 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists.
CJ Catapusan paced the Dyip with 14 points as they dropped to a 1-3 card.
The Scores
First Game
NLEX 91 – Bahio 13, Torres 13, Bolick 13, Mocon 11, Ramirez 10, Valdez 10, Semerad 6, Nieto 5, Alas 3, Fajardo 2.
TNT 74 – Pogoy 12, Williams 11, Enciso 9, Erram 9, Nambatac 9, Oftana 8, Khobuntin 7, Aurin 4, Payawal 3, Ebona 2, Heruala 0, Varilla 0.
Quarters: 21-19, 47-35, 68-51, 91-74.
Second Game
Ginebra 101 – J. Aguilar 30, Abarrientos 14, Thompson 11, Holt 10, Ahanmisi 9, Pinto 8, Gray 6, Rosario 5, R. Aguilar 4, Mariano 2, Adamos 2, Cu 0, Pessumal 0.
Terrafirma 80 – Catapusan 14, Nonoy 13, Sangalang 12, Ramos 11, Pringle 9, Ferrer 7, Zaldivar 7, Melecio 4, Paraiso 2, Hernandez 1, Hanapi 0, Olivario 0.
Quarters: 30-17, 51-35, 75-52, 101-80.
– Rappler.com
