Oct 12, 2019

Come-from-behind win nets TNT outright quarters entry

KJ McDaniels beat Allen Durham in an explosive shootout, with the TNT import spearheading their chase from 19 points down as the KaTropa kept their unbeaten run in the PBA Governors Cup via a 116-113 decision over the Meralco Bolts in their Petron Blaze Saturday matchup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

McDaniels erupted for 51 points as against Durham's 43 and also collected 10 rebounds, four blocks, two assists and one steal as he kept the KaTropa intact despite the Bolts' early breakaway.

With McDaniels refusing to fold up, the KaTropa slowly got into the game before stemming the tide in their favor in the fourth quarter and going on to nail a sixth win in a row in the season-ending tourney.

The TNT KaTropa secured an outright spot in the quarterfinals while stopping Meralco's own charge and relegating the Bolts to joint fourth with the Magnolia Hotshots and the Columbian Dyip at 3-2.

But coach Bong Ravena and his troops are still determined to get going, with their sights now set on a Top Two finish for a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals.

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The KaTropa were still down, 84-87, through the end of the third. Then they stepped on the gas at the start of the fourth, racing ahead at 111-103.

Jayson Castro and RR Pogoy then helped McDaniels put up the buckets as the KaTropa completed the come-from-behind triumph.

Pogoy finished with 23 points, Castro wound up with 21 while Troy Rosario added 12.

The Bolts had their chance to force overtime but Durham missed a potential game-tying trey at the buzzer.

And thus Durham's near triple-double game - 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists -- went down the drain.

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He powered his way to numerous trips to the line, going 15-of-19.

McDaniels also had his numerous charities, making 12-of-17. His split with 8.3 ticks left kept the Bolts' hopes alive, 113-116.

But the Bolts couldn't convert.(SB)