ANTIPOLO – Terrence Jones returned to his explosive scoring ways as TNT routed Phoenix Pulse, 114-88, in an emotion-filled game in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Center.
Jones had an impressive outing once again, scoring 40 points in the win. The TNT import scored 40 or more for the third time as he recovered from the 17-point outing he had during their loss to NorthPort in their previous game.
With Jones leading the way, TNT improved its card to 3-1.
The game, however, was not without emotions as Phoenix Pulse coach Louie Alas, TNT consultant Mark Dickel, and four players led by Calvin Abueva ejected in the game in separate incidents.
Alas was ejected during his role in the fracas that also saw twin brothers David and Anthony Semerad and Jason Perkins also thrown out.
Abueva, meanwhile, was ejected after being slapped with a flagrant foul penalty two for throwing a clothesline on Jones in the fourth period.
Dickel was also sent off for two technical fouls for complaining to the referees in the first period.
“I told them to stay in the game, play hard, play harder, especially ‘yung import namin, despite of what happened,” said TNT coach Bong Ravena. “Maraming mga calls, ejections. I think darating ang mga games na ganyan. For the players, stay in the game, hindi sila ma-ano sa game. Laro lang.”
Jones actually had a double-double as he also grabbed 10 rebounds, while RR Pogoy also exploded as he scored 31 points and converting eight triples for TNT in the victory.
Matthew Wright had 21 points, as Rob Dozier had 16 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks for the Fuel Masters, who dropped to 1-1.
The KaTropa began to pull away in the third period following an 8-0 run with Pogoy hitting two triples to take a 62-51 lead.
The scores:
TNT 114 – Jones 40, Pogoy 31, Castro 11, Trollano 10, Rosario 9, Reyes 6, Taha 4, Heruela 3, D. Semerad 0, A. Semerad 0, Golla 0, Miranda 0, Casino 0.
Phoenix Pulse 88 – Wright 21, Abueva 16, Dozier 16, Chua 11, Mallari 7, Jazul 6, Revilla 5, Napoles 4, Marcelo 2, Perkins 0, Kramer 0, Wilson 0, Dennison 0.
Quarters: 28-20; 52-52; 82-70; 114-88.
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