TNT gifts debuting coach a win
Games Today (Smart Araneta Coliseum) 4:30 p.m. – Magnolia vs Phoenix 6:45 p.m. – Ginebra vs San Miguel
TNT KaTropa gave new coach Bong Ravena and consultant Mark Dickel a victory in their first game after defeating Rain or Shine, 110-104, last night in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the City of Passi Arena in Iloilo.
Import Marqus Blakely, also playing his first game for TNT, had 26 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists while Troy Rosario and Terrence Romeo added 24 and 22 points as the KaTropa notched their second straight win for a 3-4 record.
The KaTropa spoiled the first match of the Elasto Painters, who were given a long breather after they sent six players to the Philippine team that placed fifth in the Asian Games in Jakarta.
Returning import J’Nathan Bullock scored 23 points and hometown hero James Yap added 21 for Rain or Shine in the Petron Saturday Special affair.
Ravena and Dickel were visibly sharing the coaching responsibilities during the contest as TNT management are hoping the duo would turn the fortunes of the squad that started the conference at 1-4, resulting in then-coach Nash Racela undergoing an indefinite leave earlier this month.
Dickel, who once played under former Gilas Pilipinas coach Tab Baldwin with the New Zealand national team, was tapped as consultant while Ravena was formally appointed to call the shots on the eve of the match held in his hometown.