Tyler Bey shines in debut, steers Magnolia past TNT in PBA Commissioner's Cup opener

Tyler Bey was explosive in his first-ever game in the Philippines, powering the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots to a 110-102 victory against the undermanned TNT Tropang Giga to kick off the 2023 PBA Commissioner's Cup on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The 25-year-old Bey dropped a double-double effort of 31 points and 20 rebounds on top of three steals and one assist as the Hotshots secured the first win of the 48th season.

Mark Barroca and Paul Lee made their veteran presence felt with the former erupting for 19 points off the bench alongside three boards and three dimes while the latter chipped in 17 points and five excellent dishes.

The loss saw the Tropang Giga miss a number of key players with stars Poy Erram, Justin Chua, RR Pogoy, and Mikey Williams not around.

Despite that, TNT gave Magnolia a fight as after trailing by as much as 19 points, the wards of head coach Jojo Lastimosa trimmed their deficit to just three after a Calvin Oftana triple late in the third, 72-69.

However, Magnolia had enough room to hold off TNT as Bey soared for a slam that sent them to another double-digit lead, 108-98, with 1:37 left in the game.

Quincy Miller, who came in as a replacement for Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, detonated for 37 points, 14 rebounds, four steals, and two blocks while Oftana led the locals with 28 markers, four boards, and five dimes.

Magnolia returns to action on Sunday against Phoenix Super LPG while TNT takes on Converge on Saturday.

Scores: 

Magnolia 110 – Bey 31, Barroca 19, Lee 17, Dionisio 9, Sangalang 9, Dela Rosa 8, Laput 8, Jalalon 5, Ahanmisi 4, Tratter 0, Eriobu 0.

TNT 102 – Miller 37, Oftana 28, K.Williams 14, Ganuelas-Rosser 6, Castro 5, Cruz 5, Ponferrada 3, Aurin 0, Reyes 0, Tungcab 0, Heruela 0.

Quarters: 26-16, 56-49, 81-73, 110-102.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News