PBA: TNT turns tides in 2nd half to beat Phoenix

Calvin Oftana had solid numbers in a crucial TNT win. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--TNT completely overturned a first-half Phoenix domination in the final 24 minutes to score a 108-101 win in their PBA Philippine Cup game on Wednesday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Down 62-42 at the half, the Tropang Giga matched their entire first-half output in the third quarter alone while holding the Fuel Masters to just 19 to take an 84-81 lead at the end of the third.

Phoenix still got one last taste of the lead at 85-84 with 9:06 left in the fourth period, but TNT went on a 21-8 run afterward to pull away for good.

RR Pogoy led the Tropang Giga, who moved up to solo fifth place at 5-4, with 23 points, eight rebounds, one assist, and one steal.

Calvin Oftana added 19 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and one steal, while Kelly Williams put up a vintage performance of 17 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, and two steals.

Jason Perkins had 26 points, 10 rebounds, one assist, and one steal for the Fuel Masters, who dropped to 11th place at 3-6, although just a half-game behind the NorthPort Batang Pier for the eighth and last quarterfinal berth.

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