TNT crushes NorthPort as Pogoy explodes for 32 points

MANILA, Philippines, October 9 ------ TNT banked on the hot shooting of RR Pogoy to pummel NorthPort, 117-93, and bounce back from a frustrating start to its PBA Commissioner’s Cup campaign on Saturday at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Pogoy erupted for 32 points as the Tropang Giga claimed a dominant victory that shook off the ill effects of the heartbreaking 94-92 loss to the Magnolia Hotshots last Wednesday. The loss also led to a P50,000 fine on coach Chot Reyes, who rushed toward the officials table to protest the foul called on Calvin Oftana in the dying seconds. “Obviously, we got the win today,” said Reyes. “But honestly, I was really pleased with our effort in the last game although we lost. That’s the reason why I was upset because I felt their effort went to waste.”

Pogoy made his first 11 shots before finishing with a 12-of-14 clip highlighted by eight triples. Import Cameron Oliver put on a dunking exhibition after a quiet first half and finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds and five assists while Mikey Williams posted 19 points, seven rebounds and six assists in his Commissioner’s Cup debut. Also returning was center Poy Erram after serving a one-game suspension for his Flagrant Foul 2 in Game 7 of the Philippine Cup Finals against San Miguel Beer last month.

NorthPort dropped to an even 2-2 record as Robert Bolick was limited to 14 points after sizzling for a career-high 44 in a shock overtime comeback win last week over Meralco. Arvin Tolentino topscored for the Batang Pier with 19 points.

The scores:

TNT 117 — Pogoy 32, Oliver 20, Williams M. 19, Tungcab 9, Erram 8, Montalbo 8, Cruz 7, Williams K. 6, Oftana 4, Ganuelas-Rosser 4, Marcelo 0, Alejandro 0.

NORTHPORT 93 — Tolentino 19, Ibeh 18, Bolick 14, Chan 9, Ferrer 8, Santos 7, Balanza 4, Salado 4, Sumang 4, Taha 2, Calma 2, Caperal 2, Ayaay 0.

Quarters: 25-24, 58-44, 87-62, 117-93.

Source: sports.inquirer.net

Editor's note:

In the first game, the Phoenix Super LPG beat NLEX Road Warriors in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City, 111-97. Rookie Tyler Tio led the way with career-high numbers of 26 points and seven assists. The Fuel Masters finally broke through the winner’s circle of the mid-season tilt after three consecutive losses.

Phoenix Super LPG is exercising utmost professionalism to the best of its abilities as the ball club since according to multiple reports, Branch 14 of the Nasugbu, Batangas Regional Trial Court served several notices of garnishment on the assets of Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc., and that includes its league bond. The franchise may be up for sale soon.