IMPORT David Simon produced solid numbers for the second straight game and this time it translated into victory as the defending champions Tropang TNT nipped the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 108-96, yesterday in the 41st PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Playing his second game in the pro league, Simon finished with 22 rebounds, seven assists, three steals and three blocked shots, a monster showing that helped the Tropa to snap a three-game losing streak and bag just their second win in five games.
Simon, who tallied 35 points and 19 rebounds in a 100-108 loss to Alaska last Wednesday, got plenty of help from the veteran duo of Ranidel de Ocampo and Jayson Castro.
De Ocampo went six-of-nine from the three-point area for 20 points, while Castro delivered 19 markers on four-for-nine shooting from beyond the arc.
Phoenix (1-2) absorbed a second straight loss despite getting 26 points, 19 rebounds, and four assists from debuting import Kevinn Pinkney, who replaced Kenny Adeleke.
Meanwhile, the Alaska Aces cruised to their second win with a 128-102 drubbing of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
Calvin Abueva and Vic Manuel teamed up with import Shane Edwards in leading the Aces to the blowout win.
Abueva finished with 25 points, Edwards fired 23 and Manuel collected 20 points.
RJ Jazul (15), Chris Banchero (14) and Sonny Thoss (10) also scored in double figures for Alaska, which improved to 2-1 (win-loss).
Rain or Shine fell to 1-3.
THE SCORES
TNT (108) – Simon 33, De Ocampo 20, Castro 19, Rosario 9, Fonacier 8, R. Reyes 5, Ganuelas-Rosser 4, Williams 4, Aban 3, Tautuaa 3.
PHOENIX (96) – Pinkney 26, Intal 16, Garcia 14, Baracael 9, Pennisi 8, Wilson 6, Brondial 5, Lanete 4, Urbiztondo 4, Fortuna 2, Monfort 2.
QUARTER SCORES: 26-21, 51-42, 75-67, 108-96.
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