TNT beats Magnolia,

clinches top playoff spot

By Adrian Stewart Co

TNT KaTropa clinched the top spot in the 2019 Honda PBA Commissioner’s Cup playoffs following their 98-83 win over the Magnolia Hotshots last Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Terrence Jones fell short of earning a triple-double for TNT with 26 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists; while Roger Pogoy added 20 markers; and Brian Heruela and Jayson Castro each scored 13 markers.
Holding to a slim 20-19 lead after the first 12 minutes, KaTropa slowly created distance in the second period behind Jones and Pogoy for a 45-37 lead at the half.
KaTropa pulled away for good in the second half with Pogoy and Jones continued their offense with Castro and Heruela making contributions to a lead that stretched to as much as 21 points.
KaTropa ended the elimination round with a 10-1 win-loss record and earned a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals. They will face either the Alaska Aces or Meralco Bolts, who will battle for the eighth position tonight at 7:00 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City./ASC, WDJ