TNT's Rey Nambatac in action. PBA Images
MANILA — Rey Nambatac announced his return with a bang, helping TNT dominate Phoenix, 93-78, in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup on Friday at the Ynares Center Montalban.
Nambatac went away with 22 points, to go with six rebounds and three assists, as the Tropang 5G found the pullaway in the second half to stop the Fuel Masters in their tracks.
He said that his teammates built him back into shape, crediting their intense trainings that led to his game-high output.
"Excited na kasi parang four months mahigit yata akong hindi nakakapaglaro e. Siyempre, ito talaga 'yung pinaka-pinaghahandaan ko. Good thing naman, 'yung mga teammates ko — shout out to all of my teammates, kasi talagang pinush hard nila ako nung training camp namin," said the TNT gunner after the game.
READ: PBA: Blackwater thwarts Terrafirma, kicks off PH Cup bid on high note
"To be honest, wala talaga ako, out of shape ako, nahirapan ako nung una, but then again, nagkaroon ako ng opportunity na maka-recover, makuha ko 'yung rhythm ko and timing ko, and unti-unting nagbunga," he added.
Calvin Oftana followed suit with 15 points, nine rebounds, two assists and one steal, as Kevin Ferrer also had his moments for the first time in a TNT uniform, garnering 12 markers made on 4-of-5 triples.
READ: 'ONE LA5T FLIGHT': Rain or Shine's Gabe Norwood to retire after PBA Season 50 PH Cup
They only led by three at the half, 45-42, but Chot Reyes' wards' fine shooting from beyond the arc certainly helped as they made 15 on 35 attempts, and outscored their rivals, 48-36, in the last two quarters.
Tyler Tio and Jason Perkins led four Phoenix in double figures with 12 points each, as Kai Ballungay added 11 points and Ken Tuffin had 10 points and four rebounds.
The Scores:
TNT 93 – Nambatac 22, Oftana 15, Enciso 12, Ferrer 12, Khobuntin 9, Pogoy 8, Galinato 8, Jalalon 4, Williams 3, Hill 0
PHOENIX 78 – Tio 12, Perkins 12, Ballungay 11, Tuffin 10, Nelle 9, Rivero 8, Santos 6, Manganti 5, Jazul 3, Taha 2, Caperal 0
QUARTERS: 22-21, 45-42, 66-56, 93-78