Joshua Smith had a near-flawless game for the KaTropa. Rick Dela Cruz |
By Ivan Saldajeno
STA. CRUZ, Laguna--TNT went full throttle in the first quarter before holding off NLEX, 117-106, in their PBA Commissioner's Cup duel at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay on Sunday night.
The KaTropa went for 45 points in the first quarter before keeping the Road Warriors at bay in the final three periods.
Joshua Smith tallied 24 points on 9-of-10 shooting, 13 rebounds, five assists, and two blocks for the TNT, which rejoined Rain Or Shine at the top of the standings at 6-1.
Anthony Semerad added 22 points on 8-of-13 shooting with one rebound, while Terrence Romeo fired 19 points, two rebounds, and eight assists.
Arnett Moultrie made 31 markers, 14 rebounds, two assists, and one block for the NLEX, which slipped to 2-5.
The scores:
TNT 117 - Smith 24, Semerad 22, Romeo 19, Cruz 12, Pogoy 11, Castro 10, Rosario 6, Williams 5, Golla 3, Trollano 3, Garcia 2, Reyes 0, Carey 0, Paredes 0.
NLEX 106 - Moultrie 31, Mallari 15, Fonacier 14, Ighalo 11, Quinahan 9, Taulava 6, Miranda 4, Marcelo 3, Rios 2, Soyud 2, Baguio 2, Monfort 0, Uyloan 0.
Quarters: 45-30, 63-56, 89-82, 117-106.
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