TNT notched a third straight win by escaping past Meralco, 101-99, and Phoenix registered a second win by dispatching Terrafirma, 122-108, in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Tuesday night.
The Tropang Giga leaned on two clutch free throws by Rondae Hollis-Jefferson in the final 10 seconds, and then watched as Cliff Hodge missed a game-winning three in the Bolts’ final play to secure the victory.
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TNT rose in the standings to 3-2 for sixth spot, just a notch above Meralco (4-3).
Import Donovan Smith meanwhile dropped 37 points in the Fuel Masters’ 14-point drubbing of the winless Dyip (0-8) as they tied Magnolia Hotshots’ record at 2-5.
Listed are the takeaways from the first of a back-to-back playdate at the Philsports Arena.
1. CAN DYIP STILL GET A WIN THIS CONFERENCE? – the losses keep piling up for Terrafirma that question now abounds whether this one is going to be another winless campaign for the franchise. The last time the Dyip ended a conference without a win was during the Season 47 Philippine Cup under former coach Johnedel Cardel. Will this current batch suffers the same sad fate? Looking at the team’s final four outings, the Dyip still have the likes of Magnolia, Blackwater, guest team Eastern, and TNT on the table.
2. NO SEMIS FEAT FOR PHOENIX THIS TIME – this is exactly the same conference last season when the Fuel Masters overachieved and reached the semifinals phase behind Best Import Jonathan Williams. From the looks of it, the Fuel Masters won’t be able to duplicate the same feat. Actually, they won't be in the playoffs picture if the quarterfinals are to be held today. Not unless a miracle happens and the team sweeps its last five games against Rain or Shine, Magnolia, NLEX, Blackwater, and TNT.
3. HERE COMES TNT – the Tropang Giga are on the rise, winning three straight games including big ones against contenders Meralco and Magnolia. Veteran guard Jayson Castro has finally returned as TNT does load management again on its long-time star player, while another evergreen in former MVP Kelly Williams is set to rejoin the active roster after coming back from the US. Remember, this is the same core that just retained the Governors’ Cup championship led by two-time Best Import Hollis-Jefferson.
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