MANILA, Philippines — TNT wrested the solo lead in the PBA’s mid-season skirmish behind the potent mix of its guards in Terrence Romeo, Jericho Cruz and Jayson Castro.
The KaTropa marched to their second-straight victory in as many outings after squeaking past the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 106-98, in the Saturday nightcap at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, Rizal.
“Siguro [dahil 'to sa] strength namin ngayon -- 'yung guard (rotation) namin. Tapos 'yun nga, may big man kaming puwedeng puntahan,” offered Castro. “Si Terrence din, fortunately nakuha niya 'yung game niya.”
TNT’s firepower proved too much to handle as four of its starters finished the game in double digits. Romeo accounted for a team-high 21. Jericho Cruz, among TNT’s latest acquisitions in its bid to improve its backcourt, chimed in 14.
Castro, who came off the bench, added 18 more points to go with a virtual all-around outing that consisted of seven dimes, five boards, a steal and a block.
Phoenix, riding high from a win over Blackwater earlier this week, didn’t have the apt response as only three players were only able to breach the twin-figure mark.
Import James White was again the Fuel Master’s top scorer with 32 points and 11 boards. Matthew Wright and Jason Perkins were the only locals who were able to keep up with the reinforcement’s pace with 12 apiece.
Phoenix managed to narrow a 17-point gap in the payoff period, but Romeo would not be denied. He dealt the gut punches from the charity stripe to put the game far from the Fuel Masters’ reach.
"We were decent especially defensively against (Matthew) Wright and Jeff Chan ... [T]he challenge for our players (was) minimizing production of (James) White and Wright. But I think we werent that successful with White because he had a lot of transition baskets," said head coach Nash Racela.
Asked about his TNT's 2-0 start, Racela said: "The big three hasn't played yet."
Defending conference champion San Miguel Beer, crowd darling Barangay Ginebra, and Philippine Cup finalist Magnolia are yet to log their first game in the Commissioner's Cup.
TNT will try to tally another triumph when they take on the Gin Kings on May 6 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Phoenix, on the other hand, seeks to get back to the win column when the tangle with Philippine Cup finalist Magnolia Hotshots on the same playdate.
The Scores:
TNT - 106 - Romeo 21, Castro 18, Tyler 17, Cruz 14, Rosario 13, Reyes 7, Golla 5, Trollano 5, Pogoy 3, Semerad 2, Carey 1, Saitanan 0, Paredes 0.
PHOENIX 98 - White 32, Perkins 12, Wright 12, Jazul 7, Kramer 6, Mendoza 6, Alolino 6, Chan 5, Chua 4, Eriobu 2, Gamboa 2, Wilson 2, Intal 1, Dehesa 1, Hayes 0, Revilla 0.
Quarterscores: 26-26, 49-47, 83-67, 106-98.