PBA PHILIPPINE CUP TNT downs Columbian
Game Today (Angeles City, Pampanga) 5 p.m. — NLEX vs Ginebra
ANTIPOLO CITY — TNT KaTropa survived a gallant stand by the Columbian Dyip, 10198, to stay in contention for a twice-to-beat advantage in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center here.
The KaTropa almost squandered an 18-point third quarter lead as the Dyip charged back to pull within three on Rashawn McCarthy’s corner trey with under a minute left.
A stop on the next play gave Columbian another window to send the game into overtime but McCarthy muffed two three-point attempts before time expired.
TNT won its fifth straight for a 7-3 record, half a game behind Rain or Shine (8-3) for second place going into Sunday’s important match against NorthPort at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Another win puts the KaTropa in a tie with the Elasto Painters which will enhance their quest for a quarterfinal bonus.
TNT will gain the twice-to-beat if it beats NorthPort and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel loses one of its final three games.
“Hopefully in our last game we can come out strong,” said TNT coach Bong Ravena, who wasn’t satisfied with the way the KaTropa closed out the match.
The KaTropa appeared to be heading toward an easy win when veteran guard Ryan Reyes sparked a third quarter breakaway to lead, 73-55.
Reyes finished with 19 points, four rebounds and two assists while Jayson Castro ended a stretch of low-scoring games with 20 points alongside seven assists.
Rookie CJ Perez produced 22 points, nine rebounds and five assists but Columbian ended its elimination round campaign at 4-7, its chances of making the quarterfinals in limbo.
The Dyip will need to see teams with four wins lose their remaining games to force a playoff for the eighth and final quarterfinals berth.