Craig’s Triple D lifts TNT vs Kia
TNT KaTropa banked on import Michael Craig’s tripledouble as he combined with an efficient local crew to down Kia, 106-96, in its initial outing in the PBA Governors Cup at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo last night.
Craig put in 21 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists in a big PBA debut, and Jason Castro, Troy Rosario and Kelly Williams came up with their own solid all-around games as the Texters bucked a long layoff to pull through after a runner-up finish to the San Miguel Beermen in the last conference.
The Texters held sway most of the way as they dealt the Kia Picanto side their third straight loss after earlier defeats at the hands of the Phoenix Fuel Masters (105-118) and the NLEX Road Warriors (93-100).
“To be honest, we didn’t know what to expect as we prioritized rest (after the Commissioner’s Cup finals). We made sure we gave our players a needed rest. We didn’t have any tune-up game for this conference,” said TNT coach Nash Racela.
“We should learn how to adjust to the officiating. The way they made calls tonight (last night) was a lot different on how they made the calls the last time we played. Because we didn’t have tune-up games, we’re not able to adjust right away,” Racela also said.
A big plus for TNT was Craig coming in and having the opportunity to work out with the Texters while they’re still battling the San Miguel Beermen in the Commissioner’s Cup finale.
Racela is confident the former Southern Mississippi standout can do a lot more as the tourney progresses.
“He’s still heavy and not yet in his playing weight, but he’s getting there. The actual games will help him,” Racela said.
Castro and Rosario, set to join Gilas in its FIBA Asia Cup and SEA Games campaigns, respectively, put in significant numbers in the Texters’ triumphant conference debut.
Castro logged 16 points, four rebounds and four assists while Rosario contributed 18 markers and 10 boards. RR Pogoy, a third TNT player who’s also to render duty to the national team, chipped in eight markers.
Debuting Star import Malcolm Hill scored 12 of his 28 points in the fourth quarter – all in clutch situations – as the Hotshots added to the Alaska Milk Aces’ woes, pulling off a 101-92 win later in the night.
The Hotshots scored a second straight win while dealing the Aces an 11th consecutive loss dating back to last conference.