The TNT KaTropa stays at the top of the standings and kept their record perfect at 6-0 after they have edged the Meralco Bolts, 116-113.
Talk ‘N Text import KJ McDaniels made his career-high in the PBA with his 51 points performance which goes along with 12 rebounds and four swats.
RR Pogoy added 23 points who shoot 6-of-7 from the three-point land. Jayson Castro also chipped in with 21 markers.
Meralco wasted no time and showcased their offensive prowess as they opened the first quarter with 32-16 advantage.
Yet, the KaTropa responded with their own run in the following quarter to keep the score close. At the end of the first half, the score was 49-52.
Then on the second, it was a tug-of-war type of game for both squads as the Bolts and the KaTropa don’t want to give up the momentum to their opposing squad.
In the final two minutes of the match, TNT was protecting a five-point advantage. Meralco refused to lose as they climbed back and trimmed down the advantage to a one-possession game. That’s after McDaniels free-throw miss.
The Bolts had the chance to force the game to overtime but the three-point attempt of Allen Duham was heavily defended and he missed.
Durham was the scoring leader for coach Norman Black camp where he also flirted a triple-double performance with 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists.
Chris Newsome had 14 points while Baser Amer added 13 markers.
The Unstoppable KJ McDaniels
Talk ‘N Text vs Meralco Box Score
KaTropa (116) – Castro 21, Rosario 12, Pogoy 23, McDaniels 51, Trollano 6, Vosotros 3
Bolts (113) – Newsome 14, Amer 13, Almazan 10, Durham 43, Quinto 7, Faundo 1, Salva 3, Hugnatan 4, Pinto 9, Canaleta 9