TNT books quarterfinal ticket

MANILA, Philippines — TNT vented its wrath on Phoenix, 106-70, to clinch a quarterfinal slot and rejoin a mad scramble for a twice-to-beat incentive in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup yesterday at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.

The Tropang Giga, on the heels of a deflating 117-108 defeat to the cellar-dweller Terrafirma, bombarded the Fuel Masters in the middle quarters and led by as many as 40 points for their seventh win in 10 matches.

Four players hit double figures without needing to play more than 28 minutes as TNT gained a share of third spot with Meralco (7-3) and Eastern (7-3) to knock on the Top Two and win-once incentives, with still two games to spare.

Despite a limited play in the wire-to-wire blowout, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson still flashed an all-around brilliance of 15 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks to spearhead TNT.

Roger Pogoy had 12 points while Kim Aurin and Calvin Oftana had 11 points each. Then there’s Rey Nambatac, Henry Galinato and Kelly Williams chipping in eight each as eight more players racked up the board in a scattered onslaught.

In the main game, San Miguel subdued the fiery comeback attempt of Converge (8-4), 116-113, to snap a two-game skid and regain hold of the No. 8 spot at 5-6 to remain in the playoffs picture.