TERRENCE Jones had another triple-double as TNT also lit up from three-point distance to beat Blackwater, 115-97, on Sunday in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Jones had his third triple-double of the conference, finishing 36 points, 16 rebounds, and 14 assists for the KaTropa, who clinched a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals following a 9-1 win-loss record.
TNT also nailed 19 three-pointers to extend its winning streak to seven games and retain first place in the team standings.
The KaTropa erected a 23-5 run after converting seven three-pointers to grab a 57-34 lead with Jones starting the run with a triple. Jones capped off the quarter with another three for the game’s largest lead at 27, 60-43, entering the fourth.
TNT had six players in double figures with Troy Rosario scoring 14 points and Jayson Castro hitting a double-double of 13 points and 10 assists. Brian Heruela had 12 points and shot 4 of 5 from threes.
TNT coach Bong Ravena, however, emphasized the defensive effort of the KaTropa.
“Kita naman natin na depensa pa rin,” Ravena said. “We played great defense for us to make a stop. Basically, it’s all defense. We planned to be locked in on defense, be consistent, and play hard.”
Blackwater fell to 6-4 with Ray Parks contributing 21 points and 10 rebounds for the Elite. Michael DiGregorio had 19 points for the Elite.
The scores:
TNT 115 – Jones 36, Rosario 14, Castro 13, Heruela 12, Pogoy 12, Trollano 11, A. Semerad 8, Magat 4, Casino 3, Taha 2, Golla 0, Reyes 0, D. Semerad 0.
Blackwater 97 – Parks 21, DiGregorio 19, Maliksi 16, Blair 16, Belo 10, Sumang 4, Alolino 3, Banal 2, Dario 2, Sena 2, Desiderio 0, Al-Hussaini 0, Tratter 0, Jose 0.
Quarters: 25-23; 60-43; 91-66; 115-97.
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