Mark Nonoy paces Terrafirma to carve out stunning upset for TNT
Mark Nonoy displayed potential with an exceptional outing as Terrafirma took down the TNT Tropang Giga, 117-108, to conclude its PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup campaign on Wednesday, January 22, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Nonoy fired a season-high 33 points, including two four-pointers bridging the third and fourth quarters. He also tallied four rebounds, four assists, and a steal that allowed the Terrafirma to chalk up a win and avoid an empty-handed exit.
The 24-year-old La Salle product was all smiles as he was able to share the floor with one of his childhood heroes. Motivated by his encounter with Jayson Castro, the left-handed guard made 5 of 6 three-pointers and 10 of 13 field goals.
"I was inspired by Kuya Jayson because it was our first time playing against each other. Since my childhood, I've been watching him," said Nonoy.
“He is one of the PBA players I’m inspired by. I was confident because I wanted to challenge him,” he added.
Import Brandon Edwards backstopped Nonoy’s efforts with 19 markers, 12 boards, and six dimes, Louie Sangalang contributed 16 points and four rebounds, while Aljun Melecio supplied 10 markers.
On the other hand, disappointment was evident in TNT reinforcement Rondae Hollis-Jefferson as he made his way to the dugout with a few seconds remaining in the game.
RHJ finished with a game-high 41 points, scattering 10 rebounds, three assists, three steals, and four blocks on the stat sheets, but his all-around effort went down the drain as TNT slid to 6-3 for fifth place.
Calvin Oftana led the local crew with 17 markers, while Rey Nambatac and Castro delivered 12 and 11 points, respectively, in the loss.
The Scores:
TERRAFIRMA 117 – Nonoy 33, Edwards 19, Sangalang 16, Carino 10, Melecio 10, Ferrer 9, Pringle 8, Manuel 6, Hernandez 4, Catapusan 2, Hanapi 0.
TNT 108 – Hollis-Jefferson 41, Oftana 17, Nambatac 12, Castro 11, Pogoy 9, Galinato 5, Erram 5, Razon 4, Khobuntin 2, Aurin 2, Payawal 0, Williams 0, Varilla 0.
Quarter Scores: 25-28, 61-50, 99-70, 117-108.
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