TNT erases 23-point deficit to overcome Phoenix

The TNT Tropang Giga erased a 23-point deficit to overcome the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 108-101, on Wednesday in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Phoenix was leading 62-39 with 32 seconds remaining in the second quarter before the first half ended at 62-42.

TNT, however, unloaded a 42-point romp in the third period against the Fuel Masters' 19 points to end the said frame at 84-81 in their advantage. 

With a minute and two seconds left in the fourth quarter, the Tropang Giga was leading 107-97 before back-to-back baskets from Ken Tuffin and JJ Alejandro cut Phoenix' deficit. However, a freebie by Ryan Reyes off a Tuffin foul sealed the deal for TNT.

RR Pogoy tallied 23 markers, eight boards, and an assist, while Calvin Oftana had 19 points, nine rebounds, and three assists as TNT improved to 5-4. 

Jason Perkins' 26-point, 10-rebound outing went to naught as Phoenix slipped to 3-6.

Scores:

TNT 108 – Pogoy 23, Oftana 19, Williams 17, Aurin 12, Khobuntin 11, Castro 7, B.Ganuelas-Rosser 7, Montalbo 4, Heruela 3, Ponferrada 2, Reyes 2, Galinato 0, M.Ganuelas-Rosser 0, Ebona 0.

Phoenix 101 – Perkins 26, Alejandro 16, Tuffin 13, Rivero 11, Salado 10, Jasul 8, Muyang 4, Mocon 4, Garcia 3, Daves 3, Soyud 2, Lalata 1, Verano 0, Camacho 0.

Quarters: 22-29, 42-62, 84-81, 108-101.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News