English
Ynares Sports Center, Antipolo housed an interesting game reversal in favor of TNT. Jayson Castro’s efforts maxing out an edge of seat thriller play pays off with a close call win. This cost an arduous coast to coast initiative from Castro against a formidable Converge team for the PBA Season 47 cup on Sunday.
After RK Ilagan miserably missed two free throws – both necessary to seal the win – on the opposite end, Castro’s floater with 2.6 seconds remaining tossed the Tropang Giga the lead at 84-83, only moments after giving Converge the lead with a surprise attack clutch pull-up jumper.
Seated by the deliverer of the reversal, the very much satisfied TNT coach Chot Reyes uttered thanks to Castro saying “Thanks to this guy beside me who found a way to score in that final play.” A fitting post game press conference statement.
Castro added saying “One of the veteran’s symbols, you have to take over at that moment,” this magical tide shifter finished with a game-high 17 points, four rebounds, and three assists. “Yun nga sabi ni coach, kapag nakuha ko yung bola, just shoot with confidence.” The straightforward submission to the coach’s drive allowed him to deliver this win from a possible tragic loss.
Following the Converge turnover, Maverick Ahanmisi was forced to foul Jayjay Alejandro in order to stop the clock, and the TNT guard made both free throws to seal the victory.
TNT grabs the chance to bounce back on track with a 2 to 1 record after receiving two technical fouls for flopping. Glenn Khobuntin had 15 points and eight rebounds, and Troy Rosario had a double-double of 13 points and 13 rebounds.
Close fights are always terrifying and this was true for this tight match. Surely there can only be one winner. Converge suffered a devastating loss after relying on clutch baskets from Maverick Ahanmisi and Ilagan down the line to take the lead at 83-82 on Ilagan’s jumper with 31 seconds left.
Mike Tolomia led Converge with a whopping 17 points on 4 out of 7 shooting from beyond the three point arc, while Ahanmisi and Kevin Racal both had 15 points.
Following a five second Tropang Giga inbound violation, the FiberXers had a very good opportunity to seal the victory when Kelly Williams sent Ilagan to the foul line, only for the San Sebastian guard to miss both free shots. Another failed attempt for a counter reversal.
Following their 89 to 82 overtime triumph over Magnolia, the FiberXers fell to a 1-2 record and failed to build on their first ever win. A reversal on the wrong side for them.
The game ended with these scores below.
Summary of Scores:
TNT Scores (86) – Castro 17, Khobuntin 15, Rosario 13, Pogoy 12, Alejandro 10, Erram 9, Reyes 6, K.Williams 4, Heruela 0, Marcelo 0, Ganuelas-Rosser 0.
Converge Scores (83) – Tolomia 17, Racal 15, Ahanmisi 15, Arana 9, Teng 8, Hill 4, Ambohot 5, Adamos 2, DiGregorio 2, Bulanadi 2, Murrell 2, Ilagan 2.
Quarter Scores: 24-12, 40-36, 63-57, 86-83.
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