ANTIPOLO CITY - TnT Katropa went on a pivotal third quarter run to turn back Phoenix, 106-98, and take the early solo lead in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Ynares Center here Saturday.
Troy Rosario and Terrence Romeo sparked that offensive outburst by connecting a three-pointer each in a 16-6 run to turn around a close game in the first half.
The Ka Tropa outscored the Fuel Masters in the entire third period, 34-20, to carry with them a 16-point lead heading into the final quarter of the main game of the Petron Saturday Special.
TnT enjoyed its largest lead at 81-62.
Romeo topscored with 21 points but was 3-of-11 from three-point range, while Rosario had 13 for TnT, which won for the second straight game to stay alone on top of the standings.
Sponsored content:
Coach Nash Racela however, is not about to be easily carried over by the team's fast start.
"Too early in the conference," the TnT mentor replied when asked about taking the early lead.
"The Big Three haven't played yet," added Racela, obviously referring to defending champion San Miguel, Magnolia Pambansang Manok, and Barangay Ginebra.
Jayson Castro finished with 18 points, five rebounds, and seven assists, import Jeremy Tyler had eight of his 17 points in the final quarter and added 15 rebounds, while Jericho Cruz chipped in 14.
Phoenix fell to an even 1-1 record despite getting 32 points and 11 rebounds from import James White.
The lanky 6-foot-8 White tried to rally the Fuel Masters in the fourth quarter, scoring 10 out of his total output.
Sponsored content:
But the closest Phoenix got was at eight points as coach Louie Alas admitted the team buried itself too deep to complete a comeback.
"We lost in the third quarter," he said in summarizing what went wrong for the Fuel Masters, who were just within 49-47 at the half. (GR)
