TNT Tropang Giga’s Calvin Oftana during a game against Terrafirma Dyip. –PBA IMAGES
TNT played cruise control right from the onset to pummel Terrafirma, 110-74, on Friday for back-to-back victories after going 0-3 in the PBA Philippine Cup at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Calvin Oftana knocked down two triples during a torrid start before finishing with 22 points as the Tropang 5G prevailed almost a week after a breakthrough win at the expense of the San Miguel Beermen.
Poy Erram added 19 points while three others scored in double figures in the contest that eventually served as a warmup for TNT’s massive game on Sunday against defending champion Meralco at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Tropang 5G led by a high of 46 points to deal the Dyip, whose franchise continues to face an uncertain future, another massive defeat.
Terrafirma lost for the fifth straight time after opening the all-Filipino tournament with a win over Phoenix.
Louie Sangalang and rookie Mark Nonoy scored 16 points apiece for the Dyip, with the latter picking up 16 rebounds to remain as one, if not, the lone bright spot of the team amid its misery.
Terrafirma’s next game is on Wednesday against second-running NLEX at Ninoy.
Oftana’s two threes after tipoff highlighted a 15-4 start for TNT, and the match never became interesting the rest of the way.
The rout also allowed coach Chot Reyes to go deep to his bench, with CJ Payawal making good use of his rare appearance to score nine for the Tropang 5G.