TNT downs Columbian Dyip, grabs share of lead

Joshua Smith returned as the TNT Katropa demolished the Columbian Dyip, 123-95 in the 2018 PBA Commissioner's Cup on Friday at the Mall ofAsiaArena.

The Katropa raced off to a scintillating start and sustained that pace to cruise to their fifth win in six matches and grab a share of the lead with Rain or Shine.

The Dyip fell to a 3-4 win-loss record.

Smith, though, is still groping for chemistry as he arrived only during the All-Star break to replace Jeremy Tyler. The hulking import finished with 11 points on a pristine 5-of-5 shooting from the field to go with three rebounds.

Terrence Romeo churned out 19 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals, while Troy Rosario sparked the telling 20-9 run to start the match. He dropped 10 of his 21 points in the opening period.

Jericho Cruz chipped in 17 markers, while Don Trollano and Kelly Williams had 11 apiece.

"We knew going to this game that Columbian Dyip is definitely a better team now. If they start strong most likely they will win. We made sure from the tip that we will be able to match whatever they throw at us," said TNT coach Nash Racela.

Indeed, the Dyip struggled to get it going in the opening period and trailed by as many as 40 points after Romeo hit a trey in the waning minutes of the match that ushered in the Ginebra-Meralco tussle which also features the return of Kings resident import Justin Brownlee and Meralco forward Ranidel de Ocampo.

John Fields scored 34 points and hauled down 20 rebounds but his effort wasn't enough for the Dyip to stage at least an uprising in the match.