TNT needs to win against Seoul SK Knights today to stay in the running for a berth in the playoff round of the East Asia Super League Champions Week in Utsunomiya, Japan.
The Tropang Giga absorbed a 33-point beating inflicted by reigning B. League champion Utsunomiya Brex 99-66 last Wednesday at the Nikkan Arena.
A telling 32-8 run by the Brex in the second period buried the Tropang Giga for good, sending them reeling at the bottom of Group B, where they were joined by PBA Commissioner’s Cup runner-up Bay Area Dragons.
The Dragons and Knights were battling each other at press time last night, with San Miguel Beer taking on Ryukyu Golden Kings in the other match.
The TNT-Seoul match is set at 4 p.m. (Manila time), with a loss eliminating the Tropang Giga.
Import Jalen Hudson was the only player to finish in double figures for TNT with 28 points as the rest of the team struggled to make their shots.
“It wasn’t a beautiful game from us. Hats off to the home team. They played really well,” said TNT coach Jojo Lastimosa, whose team trailed by as many as 34 points.
Until that second quarter meltdown, TNT was still in the game and held a 27-26 lead.
Daniel Ochefu, the other Tropang Giga import, added nine, while Calvin Oftana was the best local scorer with eight.
Utsunomiya imports Josh Scott and Grant Jerrett led the home team with 24 and 20 points, respectively, while combining for 27 rebounds.
The Brex will face the Dragons Friday to cap their group stage campaign.
