The TNT Tropang 5G and Magnolia Hotshots opened PBA Philippine Cup action on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum with big stakes: a sure twice-to-beat edge for TNT and a faint chance to grab a win-once advantage for Magnolia. It was the Tropa, though, that got the job done, pulling out a hard-earned 94–83 win over the Hotshots to move up to 8–3 and secure the third seed—and the twice-to-beat incentive that comes with it. Magnolia, on the other hand, dropped to 6–5 and is now in win-twice territory.
What Happened?
TNT started out strong, winning the first quarter, 27–20, behind some precise outside sniping. The Tropa only got better in the next two quarters, outscoring Magnolia, 20–18, in the second and outgunning the Hotshots, 27–24, in the third to enter the fourth quarter ahead by 12 points, 74–62. Magnolia got to within 79–74 in the payoff period but could not get any closer, as Jordan Heading and Calvin Oftana made big shots to fend off that late challenge.
Who Stood Out?
Jordan Heading seems to be rounding into fine form for TNT, as he once again led the way with 23 points and six rebounds. He also hit a big lay-in down the stretch to douse cold water on the Hotshots’ last-ditch comeback. Heading was particularly deadly in the third, where his three four-pointers helped TNT create a cushion.
Zavier Lucero, meanwhile, was a bright spot for Magnolia, as he once again flashed his two-way prowess with 17 points and nine rebounds, plus his usual stout, all-over-the-court defense. Rookie Yukien Andrada also had his moments as he finished with 12 points and 9 rebounds.
Three Keys to the Game
- Four-point shooting. Yes, TNT really has that four-point shot in its arsenal now. Four four-pointers from Heading in the third broke the game open for the Tropa, while Rey Nambatac added two of his own. That is 20 points already on just five made field goals.
- Defense. The Tropa’s defense was extra stingy on Sunday, as it held Magnolia to just 83 points. That defense also held steady when it mattered most, as TNT got stop after stop down the stretch to seal the win.
- Injuries. Magnolia was already at a personnel disadvantage coming into its showdown with TNT, as both Jerom Lastimosa and Paul Lee were sidelined by injuries. That disadvantage showed on Sunday, as Magnolia found it hard to generate good looks and consistent offense without two of their chief playmakers.
