PBA: Title defense still on as TNT stuns NLEX to force do-or-die QF 

TNT lived to fight another day after pulling off a thrilling 96-93 win over the twice-to-beat NLEX in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner's Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The defending champions nearly wasted a 10-point lead after the Road Warriors went on a fourth-quarter rampage, even though Robert Bolick was off the floor due to six fouls.

The Tropang 5G, however, showed poise as Bol Bol knocked down the last three points from the stripe to bail TNT out and force a do-or-die game on Saturday.

Bol once again dazzled with 34 points laced with 14 rebounds, three blocks, and one steal, but the support from the locals made the huge difference in the three-point escape.

Calvin Oftana, RR Pogoy, and Jayson Castro all exceeded their conference scoring averages to provide ample support for Bol. Oftana, who came in averaging 14.00 points per game, finished with 19 points and five rebounds, while Pogoy and Castro added 15 and 14 points, respectively, well above their conference norms of 7.88 and 6.58 points.

"I think this is the first game the whole conference that we have those three other guys in double figures. Hindi magsabay-sabay 'yung magandang laro ni Calvin, Roger, and Jayson eh, who are out vets," TNT head coach Chot Reyes said.

"This is the first time that the three of them got off to a double figure output. As long as we can get that kind of help around Bol, then we give ourselves better chances of winning."

With no room for error, the Tropang 5G proved they could win as a team.

Oftana caught fire in the second period by burying three triples, but TNT still trailed by two points at halftime, with NLEX leaning on import Cady Lalanne, Xyrus Torres, and Richie Rodger.

TNT then turned things around after Bol hit a triple and denied Robert Bolick, allowing Castro to complete a basket late in the third period, 72-67. Rey Nambatac and Oftana then fueled a 10-4 run to open the fourth frame for an 86-76 lead.

Torres and Schonny Winston knocked down a triple each to bring NLEX within four, 88-84, but the Road Warriors hit a major setback when Bolick fouled out with 4:33 still remaining. TNT quickly capitalized with Castro drilling a three-pointer to restore a comfortable 91-84 advantage.

The Road Warriors fought back despite the absence of its star guard with Winston scoring five points to spark a 9-2 rampage that forced a 93-all deadlock in the final 1:24.

NLEX was able to force a TNT turnover with 21 seconds left, but Winston misfired a baseline jumper as Bol sealed the win with two free throws.

Lalanne paced NLEX with 17 points and 15 rebounds while Bolick finsihed wiht 15 markers, three boards, and four assists as the Road Warriors found themselves on the brink of squandering yet another twice-to-beat advantage.

NLEX had suffered the same fate before, dropping back-to-back games against NorthPort in the Season 44 Governors’ Cup and Rain or Shine in the Season 49 Philippine Cup quarterfinals despite holding a twice-to-beat incentive.

Scores:

TNT 96 – Bol 34, Oftana 19, Pogoy 15, Castro 14, Nambaatc 7, Ganuelas-Rosser 5, Galinato 2, Heading 0, Quitevis 0, Khobuntin 0, Williams 0.

NLEX 93 – Lalanne 17, Bolick 15, Torres 14, Gonzales 13, Semerad 11, Winston 10, Rodger 8, Ramirez 3, Bahio 2, Racal 0, Fajardo 0.

Quarters: 26-26, 50-52, 76-72, 96-93.

—JKC, GMA News