PBA: Dagger 3s stagger SMB as TNT ends sluggish start to grand slam attempt

Calvin Oftana put up a rare 20-20 game to help TNT finally score a win in the PBA Philippine Cup. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MAKATI--TNT made it rain from deep just in time to hold off San Miguel for an 89-84 win that snapped the PLDT franchise's worst start to a PBA all-Filipino conference in 25 years on Sunday night at the Ynares Center 1 in Antipolo.

Two triples within the last 49 seconds, including one from Simon Enciso, who found himself going to the Tropang 5G after the Beermen let him go, sealed the deal as TNT finally won a game after a rare 0-3 start to its bid for a grand slam.

Enciso was free from the left corner to shoot a booming three that upped the Tropang Giga's lead to six, 86-80, with exactly 49 seconds left.

CJ Perez scored on a layup that cut the lead down to four, but RR Pogoy was left open from the right corner for another three that essentially iced the game for TNT.

Calvin Oftana led the Tropang 5G, who now join a three-way tie with the Blackwater Bossing and NorthPort Batang Pier at 1-3, with 23 points, 21 rebounds, six assists, one steal, and one block.

Rey Nambatac added 15 points, one rebound, five assists, and one steal off the bench.

Perez led the Beermen, who fell to 3-2, with 26 points, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals, but in an uncharacteristic moment, he was 2-for-5 from the free throw line.

June Mar Fajardo added 21 points, 14 rebounds, and two assists.

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