KaTropa nail 4th win for solo lead

Games today (Smart Araneta Coliseum) 4:30 p.m. – Phoenix Pulse vs Meralco Bolts 6:45 p.m. – Alaska vs Magnolia

ANTIPOLO CITY – TNT KaTropa went through the wringer before prevailing over pesky Columbian Dyip, 125-120, to seize the solo lead in the PBA Governors’ Cup last night at Ynares Center here.

KJ McDaniels, Don Trollano and Jayson Castro made big plays down the stretch as the KaTropa fended off the tough challenge of the Dyip in the Petron Saturday Special matchup for their fourth consecutive victory.

“We barely survived. Columbian played really, really well. Fortunately we pulled through,” said TNT coach Bong Ravena, who rued his charges’ defensive shortcomings. “We’re happy for the win but we’re concerned about our defense. We can’t afford to give our opponents 30 points per quarter so we got to improve on our defense.”

McDaniels topscored with 29 points spiked by four triples, the last of which giving TNT a 121-115 cushion going to the last 1:28, laced with 17 rebounds, six assists and five blocks as against nine turnovers.

Earlier, an array of heroes stepped up as Blackwater finally broke through at the expense of NorthPort, 107-98, for its first win in three games.

Ray Parks Jr. (21 points spiked by four triples), Carl Bryan Cruz (16), Mike Digregorio (14), Roi Sumang (14) and import Marqus Blakely (13 with 14 rebounds and seven assists) joined hands in keeping the Elite in the driver’s seat for most of the game.