THE TNT Tropang Giga serve duty to Gilas Pilipinas coming from back-to-back victories in the PBA Governors' Cup largely behind an amazing display of shooting.
Torching San Miguel Beer (96-81) the last time with 14-of-30 three-pointers, the Tropang Giga waxed even hotter Friday night, pouring in 21 treys in a 119-92 rout of the Barangay Ginebra Kings.
Ryan Reyes came through with a career-high eight triples in nine attempts to spearhead TNT's hot spree that also saw Mikee Williams, Kib Montalbo and Glenn Khobuntin make at least three treys each, Jayson Castro 2-of-3 and Gab Banal 1-of-2.
The whole team made 21-of-39 as against Ginebra's measly 6-of-22 as the Tropang Giga rose back to .500 mark (4-4) ahead of a breather in the Governors' Cup to shift their focus on stint with Gilas in the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifying games on Feb. 24-28.
The Kings just didn't find an answer on TNT's shooting and thus suffered a third straight defeat to drop down to 3-3.
"We shot the lights out. Ryan (Reyes) shot 8-of-9 and we wish we can shoot like that every night," said TNT coach Chot Reyes, who's glad they were able to win their last two games in a four-game grind over eight nights.
"Those were two important games for us. If we didn't pull it off, we're in trouble. We're at .500 mark, far from where we wanted to be, but we're fortunate to escape," said Reyes of their 2-2 showing in the tough stretch.
They're now taking some rest before lending their services to Gilas and reinforcing young national pool players in games against India, New Zealand and South Korea.
Reyes could be a stronger contender for Gilas spot now coming from his 24-point showing versus the Gin Kings.
"Ryan is in our team because of his defense, that's his main contribution to us. Last time, he defended against Orlando Johnson and tonight against Justine Brownlee.
Every time he makes a three-point shot or any other production is a bonus," said the TNT coach. "That's the kind of player he is. He's always ready."
Reyes was perfect with 3-of-3 three-point clip, Williams hit 4-of-6 while Montalbo, Khobuntin, Castro and Banal combined for six conversions as the Tropa took the half at 60-53.
Sustaining their firepower at the resumption of play, the Tropa pulled away in the third and led by as big as 32 before wrapping up the rout.
Williams finished with a game-high 26 points while import Aaron Fuller contributed 13 markers and 14 boards.
Browlee led the losing team with 25. (SB)(PBA)
(Photo credits to: PBA)