Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 5) – The TNT Tropang Giga kept their unblemished record after six games by beating the Magnolia Pambansang Manok Hotshots, 83-76, in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday at the Don Honorio Ventura State University Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.
Veteran point guard Jayson Castro led the charge for TNT with 17 points, four assists, and three steals while rookie Mikey Williams complemented him with 14 points, five assists, and two steals.
Kelly Williams, another Tropang Giga veteran, registered a double-double with 13 points and 15 rebounds to maintain their hold atop the team standings with a 6-0 record.
“We all did a good job in making sure of playing our positions. It’s just playing for each other, we never really know who’s going to come out and play well. That’s one of the strengths of our team,” said the 39-year-old Williams.
The battle between the top squads in the league proved to be anchored on defense with a low scoring first half which saw TNT ahead, 35-32.
The Tropang Giga widened their margin in the third quarter from the balanced offensive outputs of Castro, Williams, and RR Pogoy.
TNT recorded its biggest lead of the game, 69-58, in the fourth quarter, holding the lead until the final buzzer sounded.
“Our focus for this game became very simple, just make sure that we outwork them and they do not outwork us. At least, we were able to match their intensity,” said TNT head coach Chot Reyes said.
Calvin Abueva put up 23 points for Magnolia, who is now tied with Meralco for second place in the team standings with a 5-2 record.
Meanwhile, the PBA postponed the other Sunday game between Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and Meralco in accordance with the league’s health and safety protocols. No date has been set yet when the game will be played.
The Scores:
TNT 83 – Castro 17, M. Williams 14, K. Williams 13, Pogoy 12, Rosario 11, Erram 9, Marcelo 4, Heruela 2, Reyes 1, Khobuntin 0, Montalbo 0, Alejandro 0
MAGNOLIA 76 – Abueva 23, Lee 13, Sangalang 10, Barroca 10, Jalalon 9, Corpuz 5, Dela Rosa 4, Reavis 2, Melton 0, Ahanmisi 0
Quarterscores: 15-15, 35-32, 59-52, 83-76
