PBA: TNT survives Magnolia, advances to Philippine Cup semifinals

Twice-to-beat TNT survived Magnolia, 118-109, in the PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to advance to the semifinals.

The Tropang 5G carried a 52-41 lead into halftime before Magnolia mounted a push in the second half, cutting the deficit to eight, 85-77, at the 9:31 mark of the final period. Calvin Oftana, however, responded with a timely three-pointer to restore an 11-point cushion for TNT.

From there, TNT consistently found answers to Magnolia’s baskets and runs, building a 116–103 advantage with about 2:26 remaining, even after Javi Gomez de Liaño knocked down a four-point play to trim the deficit to nine. Free throws from Kim Aurin and RR Pogoy eventually sealed the win for the Tropang 5G.

Oftana led TNT with 25 points, while Jordan Heading added 21, as the Tropang 5G now await the winner of the Rain or Shine–Meralco series to determine their semifinal opponent.

The victory spoiled a strong outing from Zav Lucero, who posted 22 points and 13 rebounds for Magnolia. Rome dela Rosa and Jerom Lastimosa also chipped in with 19 and 18 points, respectively.

Scores:

TNT 118 – Oftana 25, Heading 21, Ganuelas-Rosser 15, Pogoy 14, Aurin 9, Williams 8, Nambatac 8, Jalalon 7, Galinato 7, Khobuntin 4, Ferrer 0, Enciso 0.

Magnolia 109 – Lucero 22, Dela Rosa 19, Lastimosa 18, Barroca 14, Sangalang 13, Andrada 13, Gomez de Liano 4, Tenorio 3, Verano 2, Koon 1, Alfaro 0, Laput 0.

Quarters: 32-16, 52-41, 81-73, 118-109.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News