TNT fights off Ginebra, ties the series 1-1
Talk-N-Text (TNT) KaTropa, back to their strong signal clips, won over Barangay Ginebra Kings, 103-96, in the second game of PBA Governor’s Cup semi-finals round at the Batangas City Coliseum, Wednesday.
Jayson Castro vs. LA Tenorio. Photo from PBA Images
Opening the game, TNT started off with a 5-0 run and bound Ginebra who committed a total of 12 turnovers in the first 12 minutes alone.
Even though TNT import player Glen Rice Jr. got fouled out in the game, he was still able to make 21 points enough for his team to bounce back after losing the first game of the semis.
Contributing for KaTropa were Troy Rosario who recorded 16 markers and eight rebounds, RR Pogoy with 14 points and five boards, and Kelly Williams who chipped seven points going with 11 boards.
In the second quarter, KaTropa launched their biggest lead at 18, while the crowd got wild when Japeth Aguilar dunked, TNT still up, 39-35.
Ginebra, back in the track, took the drive tied at 49-all, 10 seconds before the third quarter closed.
Pogoy notched lay-up as KaTropa got the momentum releasing a 12-2 run and extended the lead to 65-55.
In the last quarter, Batangas’ own LA Tenorio fired a three and trailed Ginebra down to 7, 84-77.
On the other hand, Solomon Mercado “never say die” and pulled up back-to-back threes that led them to come close, 96-102.
Despite the cramps, Jayson Castro still finished strong with 20 points, 10 assists, and 4 rebounds making him the Player of the Game.
Game 3 is set on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
SCORES:
TNT 103 – Rice 21, Castro 20, Rosario 16, Pogoy 14, Tautuaa 10, Williams 7, Semerad 5, Seigle 4, Chua 2, Reyes 2, Hernandez 1, Nuyles 1, Lingganay 0
Ginebra 96 – Brownlee 25, Tenorio 17, Aguilar 14, Mercado 14, Slaughter 8, Thompson 8, Cruz 4, Devance 4, Caguioa 2, Taha 0, Mariano 0
Quarters: 31-14, 49-47, 76-69, 103-96
