ANTIPOLO - Bol Bol scored 40 points and TNT captured its first win in its second game of the PBA 50th Season Commissioner's Cup, beating erstwhile unbeaten NLEX, 103-97, on Sunday at the Ynares Center.
The 7-3 Bol took charge in the endgame, knocking down a jumper to tie the game after a long chase by TNT before forcing a turnover to get a win under his belt in the PBA after his highly-anticipated debut ended in a loss to Rain or Shine last Friday.
The 7-foot-3 TNT import also had 15 rebounds and two blocks in the victory.
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“In the end, it was just our defense,” said TNT coach Chot Reyes. “I thought we made a few key defensive stops towards the end. Our offense was not clicking. We made some stops and got some easy baskets because of our defense.”
TNT had to earn the victory in the game that had 13 deadlocks and 11 lead changes.
“NLEX is a tough team to play. I think they are the most disciplined team in the league and they were making great play after great play,” Reyes said.
Jordan Heading had 15 points including a lay-up that got TNT up for good, 96-91, and Calvin Oftana had 14 points including the final free throws that settled the score after NLEX made a furious comeback bid fueled by a four-point shot by Robert Bolick that cut the deficit at 99-97.
Cady Lalanne finished with 25 points and 21 rebounds, and Bolick had 21 points but left the game after that four-point shot with 4.6 seconds left as he was called for a flagrant foul for sticking his right knee out that hit Oftana.
The scores:
TNT 103 – Bol 40, Heading 15, Oftana 14, Ganuelas-Rosser 14, Nambatac 6, Castro 5, Ferrer 3, Jalalon 2, Nieto 2, Chua 2, Enciso 0, Galinato 0.
NLEX 97 – Lalanne 25, Bolick 21, Winston 18, Semerad 18, Alas 5, Gonzales 3, Rodger 3, Torres 2, Racal 2, Fajardo 0, Bahio 0, Herndon 0.
Quarters: 21-21; 43-45; 66-72; 103-97.
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