By: Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The TNT Katropa laid everything on the court to overcome Magnolia’s double-digit lead with two minutes remaining in the game to secure a semifinals spot in the 2019 PBA Governor’s Cup.
With the defending champs leading by as much as 18 points, Jayson Castro and KJ McDaniels went into a scoring frenzy that erased the large lead in the final canto to eventually win the game and stun Magnolia, 98-97.
Romeo Travis shot the lights out for Magnolia, including a dominant outing in the paint and a flawless perimeter game that proved to be unstoppable for TNT.
The Magnolia scoring avalanche intensified as Chris Banchero and Rome dela Rosa took turns in the scoring spree to extend their lead.
However, TNT super import McDaniels started to connect with his three-point shot after struggling in the first half that started their fierce rally.
TNT head coach Bong Ravena instructed his guys to further push the tempo and draw fouls, a thing Castro did masterfully as he relentlessly got to the cup several times.
With TNT scoring, Magnolia began to cool down and miss their shots, enabling TNT to equalize the game.
Down by five in the last 1:30 of the game, TNT managed to score a 5-0 run off a McDaniels drive and a Troy Rosario trey that gained them the momentum and the confidence booster they needed.
TNT went on to win the game with Rey Parks Jr. sinking the clutch free throws.
