TNT made sure to end the year on the high after fending off Blackwater, 109-93 l, in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Thursday, Dec. 19.

The Tropang Giga used a balanced attack with Jayson Castro, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Calvin Oftana and Rey Nambatac taking turns to pounce on the Sedrick Barefield-less Bossing and improve their record to an even 2-2 just before the year turns.

Castro, the Finals MVP of the last conference, announced his return from a three-game absence with an efficient showing of 16 points on 5-of-6 shooting to go with two assists and three steals in just 17 minutes of play.

He had 11 of his total in the first half where the TNT seized control and never looked back from there to notch its second straight win after a slow start that saw the team drop the first two games.

Hollis-Jefferson scattered 22 points, nine rebounds and six assists while Nambatac and Oftana had 19 and 18, respectively.

TNT, just like in the last conference, turned to its defense and limited Blackwater import George King to just 28 points.

The high-scoring import was averaging 39 points prior to the contest.

RK Ilagan tried to step up in the absence of Barefield as he rallied the Bossing in the final frame where he 12 of his 19 points.

That, however, was not enough as the Bossing fell to a 1-5 slate.