ALMOND Vosotros caught fire as TNT secured a redeeming triumph in Leg 3 of the PBA Season 2 Second Conference via a gritty 21-17 clincher over Cavitex yesterday at Robinsons Novaliches.
In a searing shooting display, Mr. Vosotros knocked down six consecutive two-pointers in the stretch to fuel the Tropang Giga’s turnaround from 9-13 and complete their return-to-the-top mission after last week’s runner-up heartbreaker to J&T Express in Leg 2.
Mr. Vosotros finished with 15 points highlighted by seven long bombs while Gryann Mendoza, Lervin Flores and Ray Mark Acuno accounted for a combined six markers plus other intangibles in delivering TNT’s latest feat worth P100,000.
It was one of the most dominant individual performances the league has seen but Mr. Vosotros quickly deflected credit. “Effort ng whole team ito — from the coaches to the utilities to the players,” he said.
TNT now owns two victories in the mid-season conference, counting its Leg 1 conquest. Overall, the Tropang Giga have won 10 leg titles and two conference championships since the inaugural season.
Cavitex’ Bong Galanza, Sherwin Concepcion, Dominick Fajardo and Jorey Napoles banked P50,000 for their runner-up finish.
The Braves were left to rue their failure to close TNT out after even holding a 16-15 upperhand in the middle of the Vosotros bombardment.
Meralco joined the podium and netted P30,000 after beating Ginebra in the battle for third, 17-15. — Olmin Leyba