TNT was routed by Al Sharjah, 93-74, on Monday at the start of the Abu Dhabi International Basketball Championship.
The Tropang 5G were led by Rey Nambatac, who had 12 points, five rebounds, and three assists in the first game of the tournament that serves as preparation for the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup.
The all-local TNT crew had a solid start by mounting a 27-22 lead at the end of the first quarter, but was outscored, 30-14, in the second period.
The rout continued as Al Sharjah finished the game with a 26-18 fourth quarter.
Al Sharjah import Demarco Dickerson dominated the match-up with 27 points, eight rebounds, and 12 assists.
Also playing for Al Sharjah, a club team in United Arab Emirates, was former Magnolia import Glenn Robinson III.
TNT will be going up against another UAE-based ballclub in Al Dhafra, which opened the tournament with a 114-81 loss to Lebanon powerhouse Al Riyadi. Gametime is on Tuesday, 9 p.m. (Wednesday, 1 a.m. Philippine time)
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