Jun 11, 2019

Terrence Jones, KaTropa test mettle of Brownlee, Kings

The TNT KaTropa were all business the game after all the skirmishes in their match with the Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters. And no change is expected after the little tweak in the team's lineup.

The KaTropa tangle with the on-and-off Barangay Ginebra Kings Wednesday in their first after a little shakeup in their roster, giving away Michael Miranda for Marion Magat.

As part of the three-team trade deal with the NLEX Road Warriors and the North Port Batang Pier, TNT also released reserve guard Jericho Cruz for future draft rights.

But the KaTropa's focus to continue to win games isn't likely be affected.

Prolific import Terrence Jones and his teammates seek a third straight win and fifth in six games in all as they play Justin Brownlee and the Gin Kings at 7 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

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The Kings, for their part, look to rebound from an 81-104 rout at the hands of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters the last time out.

Ginebra is at 2-2 overall, going to the match where their big men are expected to have their hands full in trying to contain Jones.

Proving to be a real pro, Jones was all business in their 110-97 win over the San Miguel Beermen Saturday. It's TNT's first match after its heated match with Phoenix.

"We come in and keep strictly about basketball. We don't want everybody to dwell (on the past incident)," said Jones. "We just want to come in and stay focused. And we just want to make sure we play as a team."

Jones collected double-double numbers (18 points and 14 rebounds) right in the first half, teaming up with RR Pogoy and Jayson Castro to set the tone early in the game.

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The whole TNT team then sustained a brilliant game and overwhelmed the off-form San Miguel side for a second straight blowout win and a 4-1 win-loss record overall.

"It's a team effort. We played as a team defensively, and it created opportunities in transition," Jone also said.

It was indeed a team effort where Jones was at forefront position offensively and defensively. The former Houston Rocket went on to finish with 30 points and 18 rebounds on top of five blocks, four assists and two steals against four turnovers while facing matchups with June Mar Fajardo and Charles Rhodes.

Up next for Jones is a face-off with another local giant in Greg Slaughter. (SB)