Almond Vosotros sacrifices family trip to lift TNT over NorthPort in crucial PBA win

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Almond Vosotros in his return game, helping TNT extend their win streak. [PBA Images]

Almond Vosotros made a major personal sacrifice — and TNT Tropang Giga reaped the rewards. The 35-year-old guard canceled a planned family vacation to Japan to rejoin TNT’s 5×5 rotation, and he quickly proved his worth in the team’s emphatic 94-70 win over NorthPort in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Vosotros contributed 12 points, including nine during a pivotal second-quarter run that turned the tide in TNT’s favor. While not the top scorer, his timely shots helped break the game wide open, giving the Tropang Giga their fifth consecutive win and improving their record to 5-3 — well within reach of a quarterfinals berth.

TNT turns to veterans with depleted backcourt

TNT head coach Chot Reyes highlighted Vosotros’ dedication: “Mayroon na siyang vacation sa Japan. Nabili na ticket, na-book na lahat ng hotel, with his whole family, his wife and two kids, and he gave that up. Kinansel niya iyon just to have this opportunity.”

Vosotros returned at a time when the team’s backcourt was undermanned, with Jayson Castro and Rey Nambatac both injured, and rookie Jielo Razon recovering from an appendectomy. His return gave the team a boost in energy and execution.

Calvin Oftana led the scoring with 15 points and added 10 rebounds. He was joined by key contributors Roger Pogoy, Simon Enciso, Kelly Williams, and Poy Erram. Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser also returned from an ACL injury, adding five points and eight rebounds to strengthen TNT’s rotation with Henry Galinato still out.

NorthPort eliminated after seventh straight loss

The loss marked NorthPort’s seventh consecutive defeat, officially eliminating them from playoff contention alongside Blackwater and Terrafirma. Joshua Munzon led all scorers with 20 points, while Cade Flores contributed nine points and 12 rebounds. Jerick Balanza, recently acquired in a trade involving Calvin Abueva and William Navarro, added nine points. Abueva missed the game due to a family emergency.

TNT is now in position to join Magnolia, San Miguel Beer, NLEX, and Converge in the quarterfinals, with three elimination games left on their schedule.