PBA: Bol, Heading star as TNT survives Macau

Bol Bol and Jordan Heading formed a one-two punch as TNT returned to its winning ways with a 119-112 win over Macau in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner's Cup on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

Bol erupted for 37 points together with 14 rebounds, six blocks, and two assists while Heading posted 20 markers, eight boards, and one dime as the Tropang 5G recovered from a tough loss to Converge just two days ago. 

TNT also got a solid outing from Calvin Oftana, who registered a double-double effort of 16 points and 10 rebounds, while big man Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser had 17 markers as they improved to 6-3. 

As a team, TNT also improved its outside shooting after knocking down 10 triples—a significant jump from its 3-of-28 performance from beyond the arc in a 97–92 loss to Converge.

But TNT didn't have it easy against the low-ranked Macau, especially with the latter coming in inspired following its breakthrough win against Titan. 

Damian Chongqui pulled the guest team within one point after firing a three-pointer with 26 seconds left in the fourth period, 113-112. But Heading took advantage of his trips to the stripe, sinking six straight free throws to put the game away. 

It was also Heading's layup that gave TNT a 109-98 cushion midway through that frame, but Macau unleashed a 12-3 rampage to threaten a comeback. 

TNT will take this win as it fights for a Top 4 spot that warrants a twice-to-beat bonus come the quarterfinals. 

"In the end, a win is a win, right? But again, the other teams had pretty easy time against this team and we had to grind it out until basically the last minute," TNT head coach Chot Reyes said.

"So perhaps that can be chalked down by playing back-to-back games, the fatigue from playing just last Wednesday."

Phoenix Shackelford led Macau with 31 points and 13 rebounds while Chongqui churned out 29 markers in the losing effort. 

—JMB, GMA News