Nambatac stars in return as TNT beats Phoenix

Rey Nambatac starred in his return as TNT defeated Phoenix, 93–78, in the PBA Philippine Cup on Friday at the Ynares Center in Montalban.

Nambatac, who missed last season’s All-Filipino Conference due to injury, came back strong with 22 points, six rebounds, three assists, and a steal, as the Tropang Giga look to bounce back from a runner-up finish in the previous conference.

After trailing 42–41 with 2:43 left in the first half, Nambatac made back-to-back baskets to give TNT a 45–42 lead at the break.

TNT pulled away in the second half, building an 81–65 advantage past the halfway mark of the final quarter after a Nambatac split at the 5:32 mark, and kept the Fuel Masters at bay the rest of the way to secure the win.

Aside from Nambatac, Calvin Oftana contributed 15 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and a steal, while Glenn Khobuntin added nine points and nine boards.

Tyler Tio and Jason Perkins led Phoenix with 12 points each, while Kai Ballungay and Ken Tuffin added 11 and 10, respectively.

Scores:

TNT 93 – Nambatac 22, Oftana 15, Enciso 12, Ferrer 12, Khobuntin 9, Pogoy 8, Galinato 8, Jalalon 4, Williams 3, Hill 0.

Phoenix 78 – Tio 12, Perkins 12, Ballungay 11, Tuffin 10, Nelle 9, Rivero 8, Santos 6, Manganti 5, Jazul 3, Taha 2, Caperal 0.

Quarters: 22-21, 45-42, 66-56, 93-78.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News