Calvin Oftana explodes in PBA return as TNT clobbers Terrafirma

Calvin Oftana announced his PBA return with a bang. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Picking up from where he left off in the Asian Games, Calvin Oftana came alive for TNT in his PBA return, leading the team to a 116-92 rout against Terrafirma on Wednesday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Just like in his Gilas Pilipinas comeback, Oftana also scored 31 points in his first PBA game since June to lead the Tropang 5G to a much-needed win to bolster their quarterfinal hopes.

Nick Hornsby had a solid PBA debut with 25 markers for TNT, which moved up to a tie with Converge for third place in Group A at 5-4.

Maverick Ahanmisi had a conference-high 27 points to lead Terrafirma, but the effort was not enough to keep the team from dropping to 3-6.

Justin Strings added 25 markers.

Now two games behind in the race for the quarterfinal seats, the Dyip must win their remaining games against the Macau Giant Pandas, San Miguel Beermen, who clinched a playoff spot with the result, and Titan Ultra Giant Risers to keep their hopes alive.