TNT hurdles 29 pts, edges NLEX

TNT KaTropa pulled off a franchise-best come-from-behind victory, overhauling a 29-point deficit and toppling NLEX, 126-121, in overtime to close in on the leaders in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the MOA Arena in Pasay City last night.

Jason Castro, Roger Pogoy, Ranidel de Ocampo, Troy Rosario and Dontee Greene put their act together in the fourth quarter and completed their amazing fightback that stretched their streak to three games after a losing conference debut versus the Meralco Bolts.

It’s the biggest deficit TNT overhauled on the way to a win, surpassing the team’s rally from 23 down versus Alaska in Game Three of the 2007 Fiesta Conference Finals.

Firing on all cylinders at endgame, the Texters wiped out an 18-point deficit at the start of the fourth quarter and dealt the Road Warriors another frustrating loss after disappointing defeats to Rain or Shine, Meralco, Mahindra and Star.

In the nightcap, Philippine Cup champ San Miguel Beer stamped its class on Phoenix Petroleum and showed no mercy in a 110-88 victory.

June Mar Fajardo, Marcio Lassiter, Arwind Santos, Alex Cabagnot, Chris Ross and import Charles Rhodes, SMB’s super core group, all churned out sterling games to power the Beermen to a second straight win following a 99-92 decision over the Meralco Bolts Sunday.

NOTES: GlobalPort has decided to bring in a new import in Malcolm White after going on a 0-3 start with Sean Williams. A product of Louisiana State U, Malcolm makes his PBA debut as the Batang Pier mix it up with the Blackwater Elite at 3 p.m. today at the MOA Arena.