Double black eye for TNT as it bows to Meralco, loses import for good

 

The entire TNT team swarm on Meralco import Arinze Onuaku. KC CRUZ, GMA News

The Talk N Text Tropang Texters suffered a double black eye on Saturday as they lost to the Meralco Bolts, 88-84, and at the same time saw their import Ivan Johnson getting banned from playing in the PBA. 

Johnson was slapped with a P250,000 fine and a lifetime ban for figuring in a verbal altercation with Philippine Basketball Association commissioner Chito Narvasa.

The fiery import was ejected after getting his second technical foul off a flagrant foul penalty one on Meralco's Brian Faundo.

Before heading for the dugout, Johnson was heard hurling an expletive towards Narvasa. 

It isn't the first time Johnson got into trouble for his behavior.

He missed his team's opening game after getting into a fight in TNT's tune up game against Blackwater Elite. 

The Texters kept within striking distance for most of the game, cutting the lead to just five with half a minute left on the clock, but Baser Amer and Jimmy Alapag were able to convert from the stripe to secure the victory. 

The Bolts' starters were stellar, combining for 59 points led by Cliff Hidge's 15. Import Arinze Onuaku added 14 points, while Brian Faunudo and Jimmy Alapag had 11 and 10 points, respectively. Jared Dillinger and Baser Amer were also effective off the bench, combining for 24 markers. 

Jayson Castro carried TNT with 25 points, as Larry Fonacier was the only other Texter in double figures with 15 markers.

BOX SCORES

Meralco (88): Hodge 15, Dillinger 14, Onuaku 14, Faundo 11, Alapag 10, Amer 10, Newsome 9, David 3, Al-Hussaini 2, Bono 0, Buenafe 0, Caram 0, Hugnatan 0, Nabong 0.

TNT (84): Castro 25, Fonacier 15, Johnson 9, Williams 8, De Ocampo 7, Reyes R. 7, Carey 6, Nuyles 4, Tautuaa 3, Ababou 0, Rosser 0, Reyes J. 0, Aban 0.

Quarter scores: 16-20, 33-26, 61-55, 88-84.

 — APG, GMA News