TNT seized a 2-0 series lead in the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup semifinals after routing Meralco, 109-92, on Wednesday night at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Unlike in the series opener where they had to overcome a 21-point deficit last Sunday, the Tropang 5G led from start to finish and led by as many as 24 points against a Meralco side missing active consultant Nenad Vucinic.
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Calvin Oftana had 26 points and Jordan Heading added 24 points to lead TNT in the blowout victory over Meralco. Kelly Williams also connected from the outside alongside Oftana and Heading to help put the ballgame away early.
The Tropang 5G can take a commanding advantage in the best-of-seven semifinal playoff in Game 3 on Friday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Vucinic missed the game to attend the wedding of his daughter in New Zealand.
TNT focused on its defense from the beginning, with Meralco only shooting 1-of-14 from three-point country.
“We wrote on the board, at the very top of our board, the word better,” said TNT coach Chot Reyes. "That’s simply our thinking and mentality coming into the game. Better defense, better rebounding, better execution, better effort.”
Oftana scored 15 points in the second half, and ended the game with a 4-of-7 clip from three-point area.
Heading went 9-of-16 from the field to make up for his eight-point performance in Game 1, while Williams made 4-of-6 from threes to finish with 12 points on Wednesday.
Chris Newsome and Cliff Hodge had 18 points apiece with Newsome shooting 0-of-4 from threes for the Bolts.
The scores:
TNT 109 – Oftana 26, Heading 24, Williams 12, Pogoy 12, Ganuelas-Rosser 11, Galinato 6, Nambatac 4, Khobuntin 4, Erram 4, Jalalon 2, Hill 2, Aurin 2, Enciso 0, Ferrer 0, Nieto 0.
Meralco 92 – Newsome 18, Hodge 18, Quinto 13, Reyson 11, Black 10, Cansino 9, Almazan 9, Banchero 2, Jose 2, Comia 0, Bates 0, Rios 0.
Quarters: 29-19; 57-46; 82-66; 109-92.
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