MANILA – Even without Jayson Castro, TNT made its dominance felt in its Philippine Basketball Association game against Blackwater, scoring a 109-96 win on Thursday night at the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center.
The Tropang Giga exploded for 34 points in the first quarter to set up their breakaway from the Elite.
RR Pogoy led TNT, which is now 5-0 in the season, with 20 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals.
Ray-Ray Parks added 18 points, three rebounds, five assists, and one steal.
Simon Enciso stepped up in the absence of Castro, who according to Coach Bong Ravena is experiencing pain on his calf, putting up 16 points, two rebounds, and three assists.
Don Trollano collected 23 markers, seven boards, and four dimes for the Elite, who lost back-to-back games and fell to 2-3.
Box Scores:
TNT 109-Pogoy 20, Parks, 18, Rosario 17, Enciso 16, Erram 14, Washington 6, Reyes 5, Semerad 5, Vosotros 4, De Leon 2, Flores 2, Alejandro 0
Blackwater 96-Trollano 23, Belo 16, Tolomia 12, Golla 9, Daquioag 8, Sumang 8, Gabriel 7, Canaleta 3, Dennison 3, Salem 3, Desiderio 2, Dario 2, Escoto 0
Quarterscores: 34-25, 61-49, 87-73, 109-96 (PNA)