Rey Nambatac and the TNT Tropang 5G got a rude welcome to the Abu Dhabi International Championship, bowing to Demarco Dickerson and UAE powerhouse Al Sharjah.
The TNT Tropang 5G opened their Abu Dhabi International Basketball Championship campaign on a flat note, absorbing a 93-74 loss to reigning UAE league champion Al Sharjah on Tuesday (PH time).
TNT started strong with a 27-22 edge after the first quarter, but Al Sharjah erupted for 30 points in the second frame to seize a 52-41 halftime lead.
The UAE club never looked back as Demarco Dickerson starred for his squad and finished with a near triple-double of 27 points, 12 assists and eight rebounds.
Rey Nambatac paced TNT with 12 points, five rebounds, and three assists in the tournament that is part of the reigning Governors’ and Commissioner’s Cup champions preps ahead of the milestone PBA Season 50.
[ALSO READ: Rey Nambatac is ‘healthy and ready to play’ after missing most of PBA Philippine Cup]
The Tropang 5G, slotted in Group A with Al Sharjah and Al Dhafra, will try to bounce back against Al Dhafra early morning of Wednesday, October 1 (PH time).
Group B features Al Wahda, Astana, Champville and Al Qurain, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the crossover semifinals.
[ALSO READ: TNT set to compete in Abu Dhabi before kicking off PBA Season 50 campaign]
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.