The TNT KaTropa drubbed Phoenix, 114-88, in a game that was not lacking in action and drama on Sunday in the 2019 PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
In a game that started with a flurry of ejections, the KaTropa shifted into high gear in the second half on the way to their third victory in four games.
Terrence Jones exploded for 40 points to go with 10 rebounds, six assists, and four steals. RR Pogoy shot eight triples for a career-high 31 points.
Several players and coaches, though, finished the game in their respective locker rooms.
Inside the first three minutes of action, Calvin Abueva and David Semerad ignited a scuffle the two players and a coach getting the boot.
The Semerad twins and Jason Perkins were tossed for fighting stance, while Phoenix coach Louie Alas was ejected for flagrant misconduct.
Seconds later, TNT consultant Mark Dickel was also ejected for incurring his second technical foul.
There was more drama in the second half. Abueva and Jones were battling for the rebound, and Jones chased the ball in the right corner. But as he was about to turn around, Abueva greeted him with a clothesline.
The former NBA player was naturally livid and had to be restrained. Abueva was ejected for incurring his second technical foul with 7:03 remaining.
Before that, it looked like Jones hit Abueva below the belt as the two collided in the elbow.
But those incidents didn't steal the spotlight away from Jones and Pogoy. More importantly, the KaTropa picked up their third victory in four games while Phoenix slid to a 1-1 record.
Matthew Wright paced Phoenix with 21 points.
THE SCORES
TNT 114 - Jones 40, Pogoy 31, Castro 11, Trollano 10, Rosario 9, Reyes 6, Taha 4, Heruela 3, A. Semerad 0, D. Semerad 0, Golla 0, Casino 0, Miranda 0.
Phoenix 88 - Wright 21, Abueva 16, Dozier 16, Chua 11, Mallari 7, Jazul 6, Revilla 5, Napoles 4, Marcelo 2, Perkins 0, Kramer 0, Wilson 0, Dennison 0.
Quarters: 28-20, 52-52, 82-70, 114-88
EXTRA DRIBBLES
-Jayson Castro, quiet in the first three games, finished with a triple double of 11 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists.
-TNT limited Phoenix to just 36 points in the second half, where they slowly turned the game into a clinic.
NEXT GAMES
Phoenix - vs Meralco on June 7 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum
TNT - vs San Miguel on June 8 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo