By Ivan Stewart Saldajeno | Philippine News Agency
MANILA — Terrence Jones made a great impression of himself in his Philippine Basketball Association debut and led TNT to a 102-87 romp of NLEX on the second day of the Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Wednesday night.
The former National Basketball Association veteran dropped 41 points for the KaTropa, which pulled away from the Road Warriors, thanks to a 34-16 second quarter.
Jones also had 14 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks.
Anthony Semerad was the top-performing TNT local with 11 markers, six boards, one dime, and one steal.
Curtis Washington struggled in his own PBA debut for NLEX, only making 18 points on 5-of-15 shooting with 16 rebounds, one assist, and two blocks.
Poy Erram and Kenneth Ighalo each added 14 points off the bench.
In the other game, NorthPort began its PBA Commissioner’s Cup bid with a sound 103-81 beating of Alaska.
The Batang Pier went full blast in the final quarter, outscoring the Aces, 28-15, to secure the blowout.
Sean Anthony made 22 points, six rebounds, four assists, and two steals off the bench for NorthPort, which played without star guard Stanley Pringle.
Import Prince Ibeh and rookie Robert Bolick each added 19 points.
Chris Daniels fired 21 markers, 13 boards, two dimes, and three blocks for Alaska, which opted to sit out Chris Banchero due to his recurring calf injury.
