TNT gave head coach Bong Ravena and consultant Mark Dickel a rousing debut as the KaTropa beat Rain or Shine, 110-104, on Saturday for their second straight win in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the City of Passi Arena in Passi, Iloilo.
Marqus Blakely also had an impressive debut with TNT as Troy Rosario and Terrence Romeo also delivered for KaTropa to improve their record to 3-4 after a slow start to the conference.
The KaTropa picked up the win in the Petron Saturday Special game after making a coaching change when they promoted Ravena as head coach of the squad. TNT also picked up Dickel to the coaching staff after serving for four years with New Zealand ballclub Canterbury Rams.
The Elastopainters lost in their first game of the conference following a long break after their core suited up for Team Pilipinas in the Asian Games in Indonesia last month.
The KaTropa outscored the Elastopainters, 44-29, in the third quarter to begin their pullaway as they entered the fourth with an 89-78 lead.
Blakely, playing his first game in a TNT uniform after previously suiting up for the Purefoods franchise, contributed 26 points, 14 rebounds, eight assists, and three steals to lead the KaTropa.
Rosario, though, also nailed crucial shots following a late Rain or Shine run and went on to finish with 24 points and seven rebounds for TNT. Romeo, meanwhile, added 22 points including five triples as the KaTropa extended their winning streak.
J’Nathan Bullock had 23 points, while James Yap had 21 points for the Elastopainters.
A minor commotion between Dickel and Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia occurred after the game during the traditional shaking of hands after Dickel called for a timeout with six seconds remaining and the outcome of the game already determined.
The scores:
TNT 110 – Blakely 26, Rosario 24, Romeo 22, Pogoy 14, Williams 6, Garcia 6, Cruz 5, Carey 4, Trollano 3, Semerad 0, Reyes 0.
Rain or Shine 104 – Bullock 23, Yap 21, Norwood 12, Torres 9, Almazan 8, Ponferada 6, Belga 6, Tiu 4, Onwubere 4, Nambatac 3, Daquioag 3, Maiquez 2, Borboran 2, Ahanmisi 1, Casino 0.
Quarters: 18-23; 45-49; 89-78; 110-104.
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