TNT wins in Bong Ravena’s debut as head coach, trounces ROS

FILE: Bong Ravena coaching TNT Katropa for the first time (Photo: PBA/Website)

MANILA — The TNT Katropa gave Bong Ravena a win in his first game as head coach, trouncing debuting Rain Or Shine, 110-104, in the lone Saturday night offering of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup at the Passi City Arena in Iloilo.

The KaTropa, which had a slow start, sizzled in the third quarter, outscoring the Elasto Painters, 44-29, to overturn a 45-49 halftime deficit to an 89-78 lead entering the fourth period.

TNT then started the final frame with seven unanswered points for its largest lead at 18, 96-78.

ROS threatened a comeback, going on a 17-4 run to cut the lead down to five, 100-95, with 4:52 left, but a Don Trollano triple in the next possession helped TNT douse cold water on ROS’ final surge.

Marqus Blakely continued to show the form he has been known for when he was still with the Magnolia Hotshots, coming close to a triple-double with 26 points on 9-of-14 shooting, 14 rebounds, and eight assists with three steals and one block in his debut for the KaTropa.

Troy Rosario added 24 points, seven rebounds, and one assist, while Terrence Romeo chipped in 22 points, five rebounds, and five assists.

Nathan Bullock scored 23 points, while James Yap added 21 for the E-Painters, who opted to play with Raymond Almazan, Beau Belga, and Gabe Norwood coming off the bench.