Trollano erupts for 44, NLEX roars

MANILA, Philippines — Don Trollano went unstoppable in his most explosive game in his career and playoffs-bound NLEX bulldozed past Terrafirma,142-125, to beef up its twice-to-beat bid in the PBA Governors’ Cup last night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Trollano erupted for a career-high and franchise-best 44 points built on a league-record nine consecutive triples, leading NLEX’s hot charge on the way to solo third place with a 7-3 card.

The former Adamson stalwart shot 9-of-11 from beyond the arc, accounting for a big chunk of the team’s total of 23 treys that equaled the PBA record set by TNT and San Miguel Beer.

“Kailangan lang talaga namin ‘yung panalo na ito. Crucial ito. We’re trying to get to Top 4 for a twice-to-beat bonus. Kung natalo kami, baka bumaba ‘yung chance namin,” said Trollano, who broke the record of eight consecutive triples shared by Allan Caidic, Renren Ritualo and Von Pessumal.

Trollano, who fired 24 markers in NLEX’s 44-point third-quarter eruption, was backstopped by import Wayne Selden’s 38 points while Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and skipper Kevin Alas chipped in 19 and 15 points, respectively.

“What matters most to us is the win. I think the records and scores will just come but mas importante sa amin iyong panalo. We needed this to maintain our standings in the Top 4,” said coach Frankie Lim as NLEX also exacted a sort of vengeance on the Dyip.

NLEX reeled on the wrong end of history last Commissioner’s Cup as Terrafirma snapped its 25-game losing skid with a 124-114 overtime win at its expense.

In the nightcap, Magnolia (5-4), with Antonio Hester leading six Hotshots in double figures, booked an outright quarterfinals entry with a 129-109 disposal of NorthPort (2-7).