TNT quickly picked up the pieces from its stunning loss the last time out as the Tropang Giga vented all of their frustrations on Phoenix, 106-90, to finally barge into the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup playoffs on Friday, Jan. 24 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

Coming off a shocking upset loss to an already eliminated Terrafirma team, TNT made sure to not commit the same mistakes when it took control of the game in the second quarter and showed no letup from there. 

The result? A dominant 36-point win for TNT – the largest winning margin so far in the conference.

Leading the effort on both ends of the floor was import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, pouring in 15 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks while the rest of the locals amply supported him with a well-distributed offensive effort.

RR Pogoy only had 12, Kim Aurin and Calvin Oftana with 11 each but had six players with at least six points on the scoreboard led by the eight apiece for Rey Nambatac, Henry Galinato and Kelly Williams.

TNT improved to a 7-3 record, formally clinching a spot in the quarterfinals. The win also allowed the Tropang Giga to remain in contention for the Top 2 spots.

More than the offensive show, the biggest difference in TNT’s performance in this game was its defense, limiting Phoenix to its season-low scoring of 70 points – a far cry from the team’s defensive effort when it allowed Terrafirma to explode for 117 points.

A testament to TNT’s improved defense was its effort to limit Phoenix’s high scoring import Donovan Smith, who the Tropang Giga contained to a season-worst 11 points.

Tyler Tio paced Phoenix with 14 points while Kai Ballungay had 11 as the Fuel Masters exited the mid-season conference with a 3-9 slate.