The Talk ‘N Text KaTropa were able to hold their number one position after they lambasted the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok, 98-83.
Terrence Jones paced the KaTropa early in the game to make sure that he can help deflate the confidence of the Hotshots.
With his son Johnny Jones in attendance, the TNT KaTropa import made sure that he is in his best performance. The former Houston Rockets forward flirted with almost another triple-double output with his 26 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists.
It was total domination for Talk ‘N Text as they also took advantage of the unfamiliarity of the new Magnolia import in his new environment.
Apart from that, Rakeem Christmas also needs to adjust the timezone here in the Philippines which is a reverse compared to the USA where he came from.
Likewise, the new reinforcement player just arrived in Manila probably 48 hours ago and has no ample time to rest.
Christmas was not in his best shape as he only manufactured eight points but still effective in the rebounding department as he corrals 14 boards.
With the victory, TNT will wait for the winner of the knockout match between the Meralco Bolts and the Alaska Aces scheduled on Friday.
For Magnolia, it’ll be “Manila Clasico” best-of-three showdown in the first round of the playoffs.
Terrence Jones BASTOS JAM Versus Rakeem Christmas
TNT vs Magnolia Box Score
Quarters: 20-19 | 45-37 | 74-59 | 98-83
KaTropa (98) – Jones 26, Pogoy 20, Castro 13, Heruela 13, Magat 8, Reyes 5, Trollano 5, A. Semerad 3, Washington 3, Bono 2, Casino 0, D. Semerad 0, Golla 0, Taha 0
Hotshots (83) – Lee 23, Simon 16, Sangalang 15, Jalalon 9, Christmas 8, Pingris 6, Barroca 2, Dela Rosa 2, Herndon 2, Ramos 0, Melton 0, Reavis 0, Abundo 0