PBA Round 4: TNT Ka Tropa keeps a leadership position

Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked TNT Ka Tropa as it allowed them to take a leadership position. TNT Ka Tropa defeated 8th ranked Blackwater Elite in Makati 109-96. TNT Ka Tropa looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. 25 personal fouls committed by Blackwater Elite helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Forward Troy Rosario (201-92) fired a double-double by scoring 17 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. Roger-Ray Pogoy (189-92) chipped in 20 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Forward Celeponio Trollano (191-92) produced 23 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists for lost side. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Undefeated TNT Ka Tropa (5-0) have an impressive five-game winning streak. As mentioned above they are alone now at the top position. Blackwater Elite at the other side keeps the eighth place with three games lost. Blackwater Elite will play next round against strong Rain or Shine trying to get back on the winning streak. TNT Ka Tropa will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game.
Undefeated Rain or Shine (3-1) recorded its first loss in Makati. Visitors were edged by fourth ranked Alaska Aces (3-2) 89-88. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Rain or Shine. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Vic Manuel (193-87) who helped to win the game recording 18 points and 7 rebounds. Jeron-Alvin Teng contributed with 13 points and 8 assists for the winners. Javee Mocon (193-95) replied with 14 points for Rain or Shine. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Alaska Aces have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 3-2 record. Rain or Shine at the other side keeps the third place with one game lost. Alaska Aces will play against SM Beermen (#6) in Manila in the next round. Rain or Shine will play at home against Blackwater Elite and hopes to get back on the winning track.
An interesting game was played in Caloocan City where Alaska Aces (#4) crushed host Blackwater Elite (#8) with 38-point difference 120-82 on Tuesday evening. Worth to mention a great performance of Kevin Ebona who helped to win the game recording 24 points (on 10-of-11 shooting from the field). At the losing side Eduardo Daquioag responded with 18 points. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Alaska Aces have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 3-2 record. Loser Blackwater Elite keeps the eighth place with three games lost. Alaska Aces will meet SM Beermen (#6) in the next round. Blackwater Elite will play against Rain or Shine in Manila and hope to secure a win.
An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Quezon. Top-ranked Ginebra Kings faced 4th ranked Phoenix. Guests from Manila (4-0) defeated host Phoenix (2-2) 86-71. The winners were led by Prince Caperal who had that evening a double-double by scoring 14 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Ginebra Kings have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 4-0 record behind leader TNT Ka Tropa. Phoenix at the other side dropped to the fifth place with two games lost. Ginebra Kings' next round opponent will be Hotshots (#9) in Pasig City and are hoping to win another game. Phoenix will play on the road against Hotshots (#9) in Pasig City and hope to win that game.
NLEX RW can celebrate their first win this season after three consecutive losses. The victory is especially important as it came on the road game in Pasig, where they defeated North Port (0-4) 102-88 on Wednesday. Kiefer-Isaac Ravena fired 25 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists (made all of his ten free throws !!!) for the winners. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. NLEX RW (1-3) left bottom position moving up to ninth place, which they share with Hotshots. It was North Port's fourth loss in a row. They still close the standings with four games lost. NLEX RW will face higher ranked Meralco Bolts (#7) in Manila in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. North Port will play on the road against Columbian Dyip (#11) in Makati City and hopes to get finally their first victory.

In the last game of round 4 Meralco Bolts defeated Hotshots in Manila 109-104.

Hotshots - Meralco Bolts 104-109

Everything could happen in Pasig City at the game between two tied teams. Both seventh ranked Meralco Bolts and 9th ranked Hotshots had identical 1-2 record. But Hotshots were not able to use a home court advantage and were defeated by the opponent from Manila 109-104 on Tuesday night. Meralco Bolts made 27-of-35 free shots (77.1 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists comparing to just 16 passes made by Hotshots' players. Hotshots were plagued by 39 personal fouls down the stretch. Guard Chris Newsome (187-90, college: NMHU) fired 23 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. A Black chipped in 16 points and 4 assists. Guard Paul Dalistan (185-89) produced 32 points (made all of his eight free throws) and point guard Andy Barroca (176-88) added 17 points and 6 rebounds respectively for lost side. Four Meralco Bolts and five Hotshots players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Meralco Bolts (2-2) moved-up to fifth place, which they share with SM Beermen and Phoenix. Loser Hotshots keep the ninth position with three games lost. Meralco Bolts will face NLEX RW (#10) in Makati City in the next round where they are favorite. Hotshots will play on the road against the league's second-placed Ginebra Kings in Manila and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Hotshots: P.Dalistan 32+4reb+2ast, A.Barroca 17+6reb+3ast, C.Banchero 13+3reb+4ast, J.Jalalon 13+2reb+2ast, J.Corpuz 12+8reb+1ast, J.Melton 6+4reb+1ast
Meralco Bolts: C.Newsome 23+7reb+6ast, B.A 16+4reb+4ast, C.Hodge 12+9reb+2ast, R.Hugnatan 11+4reb+5ast, T.Jackson 10+1reb+3ast, M.Allein 8+2reb+1ast

Blackwater Elite - Alaska Aces 82-120

An interesting game was played in Caloocan City where Alaska Aces (#4) crushed host Blackwater Elite (#8) with 38-point difference 120-82 on Tuesday evening. Alaska Aces dominated down low during the game scoring 76 of its points in the paint compared to Blackwater Elite's 22 and made 17-of-22 free shots (77.3 percent) during the game. They outrebounded Blackwater Elite 52-39 including 17 on the offensive glass. Alaska Aces looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of Kevin Ebona who helped to win the game recording 24 points (on 10-of-11 shooting from the field) and American guard Robbie Herndon (191-93, college: SF State) who added 21 points during the contest. Five Alaska Aces players scored in double figures. At the losing side guard Eduardo Daquioag (180-91) responded with 18 points and guard Cris-Michael Tolomia (191-93) scored 10 points and 7 assists. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Alaska Aces have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 3-2 record. Loser Blackwater Elite keeps the eighth place with three games lost. Alaska Aces will meet SM Beermen (#6) in the next round. Blackwater Elite will play against Rain or Shine in Manila and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Blackwater Elite: E.Daquioag 18+2reb+2ast, C.Michael Tolomia 10+2reb+7ast, R.Canaleta 9+3reb+1ast, M.Salem 9+2reb, G.Jon-Jon 6+7reb, R.Dennison 6+2reb+1ast
Alaska Aces: E.Kevin 24+2reb+2ast, R.Herndon 21+3reb+3ast, V.Manuel 16+9reb+1ast, T.Abu-Jahal 14+6reb, M.Digregorio 12+5reb+2ast, J.Alvin Teng 11+7reb+7ast

North Port - NLEX RW 88-102

NLEX RW can celebrate their first win this season after three consecutive losses. The victory is especially important as it came on the road game in Pasig, where they defeated North Port (0-4) 102-88 on Wednesday. NLEX RW dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to North Port's 32 and made 30-of-38 free shots (78.9 percent) during the game. NLEX RW looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. North Port was plagued by 30 personal fouls down the stretch. Guard Kiefer-Isaac Ravena (181-93) fired 25 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists (made all of his ten free throws !!!) for the winners. Point guard Kevin Alas (183-91) chipped in a double-double by scoring 16 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists (made all of his eight free throws). Naturalized German forward Christian Standhardinger (206-89, college: Hawaii) produced 7 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists and American Sean Manganti (, college: UMPI) added 16 points respectively for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. NLEX RW (1-3) left bottom position moving up to ninth place, which they share with Hotshots. It was North Port's fourth loss in a row. They still close the standings with four games lost. NLEX RW will face higher ranked Meralco Bolts (#7) in Manila in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. North Port will play on the road against Columbian Dyip (#11) in Makati City and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
North Port: K.Ferrer 18+3reb, S.Manganti 16+4reb+3ast, G.Lanete 13+2reb, P.Taha 10+4reb, N.Elorde 8+1reb+2ast, L.Revilla 8+6reb+3ast
NLEX RW: K.Isaac Ravena 25+5reb+4ast, J.Quinahan 17+5reb+3ast, K.Alas 16+10reb+6ast, J.Cruz 10+3ast, M.Angelo Miranda 9+5reb+2ast, P.Kristofer 8+4reb+1ast

Phoenix - Ginebra Kings 71-86

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Quezon. Top-ranked Ginebra Kings faced 4th ranked Phoenix. Guests from Manila (4-0) defeated host Phoenix (2-2) 86-71. Ginebra Kings players were unselfish on offense dishing 26 assists. The winners were led by Prince Caperal (197-93) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 14 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists and naturalized American point guard Stanley Pringle (184-87, college: Penn St., agency: Pensack Sports) supported him with 20 points. Four Ginebra Kings players scored in double figures. Even 15 points and 8 rebounds by naturalized American forward Jason Perkins (193-92, college: VCSU) did not help to save the game for Phoenix. Naturalized Canadian guard Matthew Wright (193-91, college: St.Bonaventure) added 12 points and 6 assists for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Ginebra Kings have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 4-0 record behind leader TNT Ka Tropa. Phoenix at the other side dropped to the fifth place with two games lost. Ginebra Kings' next round opponent will be Hotshots (#9) in Pasig City and are hoping to win another game. Phoenix will play on the road against Hotshots (#9) in Pasig City and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Phoenix: J.Perkins 15+8reb+3ast, M.Wright 12+3reb+6ast, J.Chua 11+5reb, J.Intal 9+4reb+5ast, B.Heruela 7+1reb, R.Roose Garcia 5+5reb+2ast
Ginebra Kings: S.Pringle 20+3reb+3ast, P.Caperal 14+10reb+5ast, J.Aguilar 13+5reb, S.Thompson 11+7reb+7ast, L.Tenorio 9+4reb+4ast, J.Devance 8+4reb+1ast

TNT Ka Tropa - Blackwater Elite 109-96

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked TNT Ka Tropa as it allowed them to take a leadership position. TNT Ka Tropa defeated 8th ranked Blackwater Elite in Makati 109-96. TNT Ka Tropa looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. 25 personal fouls committed by Blackwater Elite helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Forward Troy Rosario (201-92) fired a double-double by scoring 17 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. Roger-Ray Pogoy (189-92) chipped in 20 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Five TNT Ka Tropa players scored in double figures. Forward Celeponio Trollano (191-92) produced 23 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists and forward Rey-Mark Belo (191-93) added 16 points and 8 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. TNT Ka Tropa (5-0) have an impressive five-game winning streak. As mentioned above they are alone now at the top position. Blackwater Elite at the other side keeps the eighth place with three games lost. Blackwater Elite will play next round against strong Rain or Shine trying to get back on the winning streak. TNT Ka Tropa will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game.
Top scorers:
Blackwater Elite: C.Trollano 23+7reb+4ast, R.Mark Belo 16+8reb+2ast, C.Michael Tolomia 12+2reb+2ast, F.Golla 9+2reb+4ast, S.Roi Sumang 8+2reb+3ast, E.Daquioag 8+5reb+7ast
TNT Ka Tropa: R.Ray Pogoy 20+7reb+4ast, P.Bobby-Ray 18+3reb+5ast, T.Rosario 17+12reb+3ast, S.Enciso 16+2reb+3ast, J.Paul Erram 14+5reb+5ast, J.Washington 6+2reb+1ast

Alaska Aces - Rain or Shine 89-88

Undefeated Rain or Shine (3-1) recorded its first loss in Makati. Visitors were edged by fourth ranked Alaska Aces (3-2) 89-88. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Rain or Shine. They outrebounded Rain or Shine 46-28 including a 34-22 advantage in defensive rebounds. Alaska Aces players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Vic Manuel (193-87) who helped to win the game recording 18 points and 7 rebounds. Guard Jeron-Alvin Teng (190-94) contributed with 13 points and 8 assists for the winners. Javee Mocon (193-95) replied with 14 points and forward Sidney Onwubere (193-93) added 16 points in the effort for Rain or Shine. Four Rain or Shine players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Alaska Aces have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 3-2 record. Rain or Shine at the other side keeps the third place with one game lost. Alaska Aces will play against SM Beermen (#6) in Manila in the next round. Rain or Shine will play at home against Blackwater Elite and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Rain or Shine: O.Sidney 16+2ast, M.Javee 14+4reb+2ast, W.Adrian 12+2reb, B.Belga 10+5reb+2ast, N.Torres 10+2reb, R.Nambatac 7+2reb+7ast
Alaska Aces: V.Manuel 18+7reb+1ast, J.Alvin Teng 13+3reb+8ast, T.Abu-Jahal 10+3reb, E.Kevin 10+5reb+2ast, R.Herndon 9+6reb+2ast, J.Rodney Brondial 7+5reb+1ast



Tags : TROY ROSARIO, TALK N TEXT KA TROPA, FILIPINO BASKETBALL