TNT neutralizes Alaska’s press, posts 109-100 win

MANILA, Philippines – TNT KaTropa handled well Alaska Milk's vaunted pressing defense, beating the Aces on fastbreak plays and on halfcourt set in a one-sided 109-100 victory that sent the Texters to joint second place in the PBA Philippine Cup at the PhilSports Arena Friday night.

The Texters outmaneuvered the Aces all throughout, enjoying numerous 16-point leads before chalking up to a fourth win in their last five games and fifth in six games overall.

Troy Rosario, Jason Castro, Larry Fonacier, Ranidel de Ocampo and Kelly Williams led TNT's hot surge against Alaska that propelled the Texters to joint second with Blackwater, just half-game behind titleholder San Miguel Beer (4-1).

Rosario, 0-of-11 from beyond the arc in their first four games before knocking 2-of-5 in their 117-98 rout of Phoenix Petroleum the last time out, showcased a hot shooting hands against the Aces, firing 6-of-9 treys to highlight a personal season-best 26-point outing.

The TNT gunners strung up 14-of-31 three-pointers in all as they were able to break Alaska's defensive press and run their dribble-drive offense.

TNT coach Nash Racela said they basically strived hard to achieve their goal of playing consistent basketball and playing smart for 48 minutes.

"We're struggling to do that but we're looking for improvements. We're trying to do that on a day-to-day basis. I think we're okay today," said Racela, now with a 2-1 record since taking the coaching rein in the team.

"Alaska is our model as they play hard for 48 minutes," Racela added.

Rosario collected 16 points with four triples as the Texters imposed their game early and opened a 54-38 lead at the half.

With Castro, Fonacier and De Ocampo also hitting the mark in the second half, the Texters kept their domination and sent the Aces down with a third loss against the same number of wins.

The Texters pounced on their matchup advantages as the Aces continued to miss the services of injury-hit big men Sonny Thoss and Noy Baclao.

Worse, Vic Manuel picked up four quick fouls and thus was limited to 21:17 minutes of action.

TNT also made a killing at the paint on its 53-44 advantage on rebounds. Stepping up their press, the Aces narrowed down the gap, 70-77, at the end of the third.

The Texters, however, quickly made the needed adjustments and pulled away again, 87-72, on a 10-2 start in the final canto. And TNT kept a safe lead from there on.