CALVIN Oftana erupted for a career-high 37 points and TNT came from behind to repulse NLEX, 104-101, in a PBA Philippine Cup road showcase in Candon, Ilocos Sur Saturday.
Oftana sustained his personal romp that included a display of great marksmanship leading to his triumph in the PBA All-Star Three-Point Shootout in Bacolod as the Gilas mainstay frolicked in the Candon game and lifted the Tropang Giga past the Road Warriors and into joint fourth spot with the Barangay Ginebra Kings at 4-3.
RR Pogoy had his own moment with a 21-point effort and Glenn Khobuntin contributed 11 as TNT scored a followup to their 92-90 decision over Meralco and gained a piece of third place with Ginebra, within striking distance of leader San Miguel Beer.
NLEX blew away an 11-point lead at the start of the fourth but stayed at second place with a 5-2 win-loss card.
Robert Bolick, Rob Herndon and Michael Miranda led the NLEX charge as they held sway most of the way only to fade while limited to 14 points in the fourth.
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Oftana and the Tropang Giga pulled a steal with a 28-14 siege in the payoff quarter.
Oftana was the main guy for TNT with a 37-point sizzler he also laced with 12 points and six assists.
Pogoy snared seven rebounds on top of 21 ponts as Kelly Williams also collected seven boards to go with four markers and two assists.
Jayson Castro was another TNT player who made an impact with 16 ponts.
Bolick, Herndon and Miranda piled up double-digit outputs early as NLEX sat on a 57-49 cushion at the half.
The Road Warriors kept the pace through the third before being stopped on their tracks in the fourth.(SB)
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