Rice Jr., Williams combine for TNT triumph over Blackwater

TNT KaTropa shot a high 51 percent from the field to cruise past the Blackwater Elite, 117-96, on Wednesday at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.

The Texters found success in the paint, connecting on 33 of their 55 attempts for 48 big points en route to an easy victory.

Glen Rice Jr. paced TNT with 31 points off a 12 of 22 clip, while Kelly Williams was a stud off the bench for 21 markers. Jayson Castro rounded up the scorers in double figures with 11.

Up just three after the opening period, 28-25, TNT leaned on a 34-15 second period to rest on a 62-40 lead at the half.

The Elite never managed to stage any comeback in the payoff period, as the KaTropa matched their output to earn the win.

Henry Walker led Blackwater with 33 points and 18 boards, while Pos Erram was effective in a starting role with 18 markers and 13 boards, Mike Digregorio was the only other player in double figures with 12, as the Elite played catch up the whole game.

With the win, TNT tied Rain or Shine at 4-2, just behind Meralco (5-1), Barangay Ginebra (5-1), Star (4-1), and NLEX (6-2). Blackwater, meanwhile, slid to 3-4 for seventh place. — BAP, GMA News