Games Today (Smart Araneta Coliseum)
4:15 p.m. - NLEX Vs. Meralco
7:00 p.m. - SMB vs. Star
Rookie Troy Rosario scored a career-high 31 points from nakakangilong seven 3-pointers to carry the TNT Tropang 106-99 win over Alaska in the opener of their best-of-three quarterfinals series Oppo-PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome last night.
No. 2 pick overall Rosario Mahindra last PBA Draft, but immediately after the defending champion and TNT acquired in trade before the 41st season.
But just folded the Aces, buried by 57-42 in the second quarter and returned yet but fell short in the end.
Alaska seize the lead, 97-96, on a basket by Rob Dozier, but suddenly detonates a 10-2 run to close the game TNT and the win.
“You just can’t discount Alaska. Hindi ka maka-relax,”
exclaimed Texters coach Jong Uichico after.
Rosario was left open because the defense drawn to import cast David Simon with 24 points, 14 rebounds, three assists and two steals. 17 points returned from abdominal pain that Texters guard Jayson Castro.
Dozier scored 22 points and six rebounds, 18 Calvin Abueva in Alaska.
Could finish clinch the series on Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to return to the semifinals.
Harbatin attempt was the top seed San Miguel Beer and No. 2 Meralco the two chairs in the semifinals of the league with their sister teams at the Big Dome.
Beermen chasing No. 8, Star Hotshot a free of Bolts at No. 7 NLEX.