TNT goes for 2-0 lead

WITH import KJ McDaniels waxing hot, TNT goes for a two-to-nothing lead against Meralco in their Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup best-of-five semifinals series on Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

McDaniels carried the load for the KaTropa, pouring 38 points with 14 rebounds and three blocks in their 103-94 win over their sister-team last Sunday.

Hunting for its first title since the 2015 Commissioner’s Cup, TNT aims for the edge in the series at 7 p.m.

With stints at Philadelphia, Houston and Brooklyn in the National Basketball Association, it’s no surprise McDaniels is imposing his mark whoever he faces.

Although the KaTropa built a comfortable 22-point lead in the second half, the Bolts managed to claw back and make it an eight-point with four minutes left.

But enter McDaniels, who engineered an 8-4 run with Roger Pogoy doing the finishing touches with his 3-pointer for a 12-point spread, 101-89, in the final minute.

Still recovering from a back injury, Pogoy scattered 18 points highlighted by four triples. Jayson Castro tallied an all-around effort of 17 points, eight boards, seven assists and four steals.

“We are glad we won. Game One of any series is very important,” TNT Coach Bong Ravena said, adding that there is more to come in the series. “Nothing to celebrate. The series is still long.”

Providing the bulk of production for Meralco was import Allen Durham, who had monstrous numbers of 32 points and 21 rebounds. He was the main source of energy when the Bolts rallied back in the game.

“We have to find ways to stop Durham. He’s our concern and we need to address it,” Ravena said. “We have to make stops.”

Source: Businessmirror.com.ph

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Keywords:

2016–17 TNT KaTropa season • K. J. McDaniels • 2016–17 TNT KaTropa season • Meralco Bolts • Philippine Basketball Association • PBA Governors' Cup • Playoff format • Playoff format • Smart Araneta Coliseum • Rebound (basketball) • 2015 PBA Commissioner's Cup • USL First Division • TNT (TV channel) • Philadelphia 76ers • Houston • Brooklyn Nets • National Basketball Association • K. J. McDaniels • Roger Pogoy • Spread betting • Roger Pogoy • Triple (baseball) • Jayson Castro • Assist (basketball) • Steal (basketball) • TNT (TV channel) • Bong Ravena • Meralco Bolts • Durham, England • Kiefer Ravena •