PBA: Calvin Oftana takes over in Q4 as TNT subdues NLEX in Candon clash

Calvin Oftana went on a fourth quarter rampage to beat NLEX in Candon. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANDALUYONG—Calvin Oftana came alive in the fourth quarter to help TNT turn back NLEX with a 104-101 win in their PBA Philippine Cup game on Saturday night at the Candon City Arena.

The Tropang Giga outscored the Road Warriors, 28-14, in the final frame to complete the comeback with Oftana scoring their first 27 points, although they still had a scare in the end.

Glenn Khobuntin, with a chance to make it a two-possession game with 14 seconds left, could only make a split from the free-throw line, giving NLEX a chance to force overtime.

Robert Bolick had an open look, but he missed the equalizing three as time expired.

Oftana finished with 37 points on 11-of-20 shooting, 12 rebounds, and six assists for TNT, which moved up to 4-3 with back-to-back wins.

RR Pogoy added 21 points, seven rebounds, and one assist.

Robbie Herndon led NLEX, which fell to 5-2, with 25 points on 9-for-14 field goals, four rebounds, one assist, and one steal.

Bolick added 23 points, five rebounds, seven assists, and one steal, but he was 0-for-4 from three-point range including the buzzer-beater miss.

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