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| Rey Nambatac returned with a bang for TNT. PBA Images |
MANILA––Rey Nambatac announced his return with a stellar performance on Friday night to lift TNT to a 93-78 win against Phoenix in their PBA Philippine Cup battle at the Ynares Center 2 in Rodriguez, Rizal.
Nambatac, whose groin injury forced him to miss the remainder of last season's all-Filipino conference and was also costly for the Tropang 5G's grand slam bid, showed that he is indeed back in action with a game-high 22 points on 9-of-14 shooting to lead the PLDT franchise.
Calvin Oftana added 15 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and one steal as TNT's second shot for the season treble was off to a solid start.
Kevin Ferrer delivered 12 points, all on three-pointers, two rebounds, one assist, and two blocks, while Jio Jalalon had four points, seven rebounds, and two assists off the bench in their first game with their new team.
Simon Enciso also contributed 12 markers, scoring all of them from long range too, with two rebounds, three assists, and one steal.
Tyler Tio and Jason Perkins each had 12 points for Phoenix as Willie Wilson's regular-season debut as head coach was spoiled.
The Scores:
TNT 93 – Nambatac 22, Oftana 15, Enciso 12, Ferrer 12, Khobuntin 9, Pogoy 8, Galinato 8, Jalalon 4, Williams 3, Hill 0
PHOENIX 78 – Tio 12, Perkins 12, Ballungay 11, Tuffin 10, Nelle 9, Rivero 8, Santos 6, Manganti 5, Jazul 3, Taha 2, Caperal 0
QUARTERS: 22-21, 45-42, 66-56, 93-78
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