MANILA – TNT KaTropa recovered from a slow start to score a 106-98 victory over Phoenix Fuel Masters and took the early lead in the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup last night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Terrence Romeo led the way with 21 points.
Jayson Castro added 18 markers while reinforcement Jeremy Tyler contributed double-double 17 points and 15 rebounds.
In the first game, Columbian Dyip cruised to its second victory in three matches as it rolls past an undermanned NLEX Road Warriors, 123-103, for a solo second place in the standings.
After being down by as much as 11 points early in the game, the KaTropa responded with a run on conversions by Castro, Jeth Troy Rosario and Ilonggo Jericho Cruz to snatch a 49-47 lead at the half.
It was still a seesaw battle early in the third with the KaTropa only ahead at 56-55 before they unloaded consecutive triples from Rosario, Romeo and Frank Golla. Its biggest lead was at 81-62 on Anthony Semerad free throws.
The Fuel Masters made its last push in the final quarter to come to as close as 90-99 on a basket by Rafael Jazul but the KaTropa relied on free throws by Tyler and Romeo to seal the win.
Import James White had double-double 32 points and 12 rebounds, while Matthew Wright and rookie Jason Perkins added 12 markers apiece for the Fuel Masters.
The Dyip made its presence felt early in the first game behind Jerramy King and Reden Celda for a 62-50 lead. The Road Warriors rallied to within 12 points but the Dyip pulled away anew for its largest lead at 123-100 on a triple by Charles Aiken.
Aiken led the way with double-double 28 points and 10 rebounds, Celda added career-high 26 markers, while King continued his splendid showing with 23 points for the Dyip, which had its best start in years.
BOX SCORE:
TNT 106 – Romeo 20, Castro 18, Tyler 17, Cruz 14, Rosario 13, Reyes 7, Trollano 5, Golla 5, Pogoy 3, Semerad 2, Carey 1, Paredes 0, Saitanan 0.
PHOENIX 98 – White 32, Wright 12, Perkins 12, Jazul 7, Kramer 6, Mendoza 6, Alolino 6, Chan 5, Chua 4, Wilson 2, Eriobu 2, Gamboa 2, Intal 1, Dehesa 1, Revilla 0, Hayes 0.
Quarterscores: 26-26, 49-47, 83-67, 106-98./PN
