TNT takes QF opener versus GlobalPort

PBA
By Ivan Saldajeno

PASAY—TNT survived GlobalPort's hot start and won, 109-101, at the start of the PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday.

The KaTropa turned up the heat in the second quarter and moved to within a win from a semifinal spot.

GlobalPort began the game on a roll, scoring 34 points in the first quarter.

But TNT responded with a 37-point second quarter and eventually stifled its foe in the third, limiting GlobalPort to only 15 points, before holding off its opponent in the final period.

Jayson Castro led TNT, which can close out the series on Monday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, with 20 points on 7-of-12 shooting with four rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block.

Terrence Romeo exploded for 28 points for GlobalPort with five rebounds and eight assists, but he committed six turnovers as well.

Box Scores:

TNT 109-Castro 20, Tautuaa 17, Fonacier 17, Rosario 11, Rosser 10, Rosales 8, Pogoy 6, Reyes 6, Williams 6, De Ocampo 4, Carey 2, Seigle 2, Sumalinog 0, Tamsi 0

GlobalPort 101-Romeo 28, Pringle 19, Pennisi 14, Cortez 8, Canaleta 7, Pessumal 5, Maierhofer 3, Mamaril 2, Semerad 2, Andrada 0, Urbiztondo 0, Paredes 0

Quarterscores: 24-34, 61-56, 86-71, 109-101

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