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TNT Tropang Giga guards Jason Castro during PBA Philippine Cup vs. Terrafirma Dip – PBA Images
MANILA, Philippines – TNT returned to action with a 100-97 victory over Terra Firma late Saturday afternoon. PBA Philippine Cup Victory column.
Tropang Giga had a good balance of performances from both regular players and newcomers, especially rookie Henry Gallinato Jr., who had the best performance of his young career with 17 points and 11 rebounds.
However, it was Calvin Oftana and Jason Castro who put the finishing touches on the victory, ultimately getting the club back on its feet. Stunning defeat for early leader Blackwater Last week, he improved to 2 wins and 1 loss in the race.
Still, coach Chot Reyes feels there's little good reason to celebrate, especially with a tough schedule looming.
„I don't think we're at the big boys' level yet. We just want to be competitive against other teams,“ he said. „It's going to be difficult to play against a big, talented team like San Miguel if you don't have a completely 100 percent lineup. So I think it's important that we use this week to practice very smartly and prepare well.“ It is our duty.”
Read: Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser makes most of his TNT debut
TNT was without veteran big man Kelly Williams and gunner Roger Pogoy, who are in the hospital.
Castro came off the bench for 23 points and Otana had 19 points and 10 rebounds. As much as the traditional powerhouse gave the Dips a reality check after a 2-0 start in the high-profile tournament, Glen Corbantine also contributed in scoring.
Top rookie pick Stephen Holt scored 24 points and Juami Tiongson added 21 points and fumbled a late chance to send the game to overtime.
Score:
TNT 100 – Castro 23, Hobuntin 19, Oftana 19, Gallinato 17, Ganuelas Rosser B. 11, Aulin 4, Montalvo 4, Heruela 3, Ebona 0, Varilla 0, Reyes 0, Ganuelas Rosser M. 0, Ponferrada 0
Terrafirma 97 – Holt 24, Tiongson 21, Gomez de Liano 18, Go 11, Alorino 9, Ramos 5, Sangalan 5, Carino 2, Camson 2, Olivario 0, Kailig 0, Calbo 0
Quarter scores: 23-21, 50-41, 73-69, 100-97.