Unbeaten KaTropa smother F Masters, gain playoff spot

MANILA, Philippines - Red-hot TNT KaTropa cut loose from a tight game on a hail of three-pointers in the third quarter and stormed past Phoenix Petroleum, 124-117, to virtually claim a spot in the playoffs of the PBA Governors Cup at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo last night.

Averaging only 9.2 three-point conversions per game, the Texters drained nine just in one quarter in this match and rattled in a total of 19 – the most by any team in this tourney thus far – to keep their perfect record in six outings.

Syrian gunner Michael Madanly fired away three treys, Ranidel de Ocampo knocked in a pair while Kris Rosales, Ryan Reyes, Larry Fonacier and Jason Castro added one each to fuel their back-breaking breakaway from a 52-all halftime count.

Unable to find an answer on TNT’s fiery shooting, the Fuel Masters went down reeling with a fourth loss against two wins.

Meanwhile, the Star Hotshots and the Alaska Milk Aces, tied at 1-4, try to catch up with the Fuel Masters as they face off in the Petron Blaze Saturday Special at the Panabo Sports Center in Panabo, Davao del Norte tonight.

“We shot the ball well, especially Madanly, and that allowed us to make the breakaway,” said TNT coach Jong Uichico.

Even with a spot in the Final Eight looking in the bag, Uichico said they would keep their mindset of trying to win as many games as they can.

Globalport jumped the gun on San Miguel Beer, taking an early 20-point lead and refusing to lose as the Batang Pier carved out a 98-92 win to move up to joint eighth with the Phoenix Fuel Masters at 2-4 later in the night.

“It was a big fish,” said Globalport coach Johnedel Cardel of their upset of the Beermen coming after a double-overtime triumph over the Meralco Bolts.

The scores: 

First Game

TNT KATROPA 124 – Madanly 30, Ammons 22, De Ocampo 17, Rosales 13, Castro 11, Reyes 7, Fonacier 6, Rosario 5, Tautuaa 5, Carey 3, Williams 3, Nuyles 2, Ababou 0, Rosser 0. 

PHOENIX 117 – Phelps 49, Enciso 17, Lee 15, Buenafe 8, Wilson J. 6, Baguio 5, Wilson W. 5, Lanete 4, Caperal 3, Cruz 3, Miranda 2, Pennisi 0, Urbiztondo 0, Torres 0, Borboran 0. 

Quarterscores: 29-24, 52-52, 88-68, 124-117

Second Game

GLOBALPORT 98 – Pringle 25, Romeo 18, Glover 15, Dehesa 8, Taha 8, Wahington 8, Yeo 8, Mamaril 6, Semerad 2, Kramer 0, Salvacion 0. 

SAN MIGUEL 92 – Reid 41, Fajardo 21, Lassiter 15, Cabagnot 6, Santos 4, Heruela 3, David 2, Araña 0, Tubid 0. 

Quarterscores: 23-8, 41-39, 73-66, 98-92