By Adrian Stewart Co

TNT Tropang GIGA remained undefeated in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup after an 83-76 beating of Magnolia Pambansang Manok Hotshots on Sunday night at the Don Honorio Ventura State University Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.

Jayson Castro spearheaded the offense with 17 points, four assists and three blocks, as rookie Mikey Williams added 14 points as the Tropang GIGA stayed on top of the standings and move closer to a sure playoffs seat with its 6-0 win-loss slate.

Kelly Williams had his best game since returning from a brief retirement with double-double 13 points and 15 rebounds, while Roger Pogoy and Jeth Troy Rosario ended up with 12 and 11, respectively, for TNT.

Clinging to a 35-32 halftime lead, the Tropang GIGA leaned on Pogoy, Rosario and Castro’s scoring to widen the advantage to 52-42. The Hotshots rallied to within 52-56 but a buzzer-beating triple by Kelly gave TNT a 59-52 edge going into the fourth.

Triples by Kelly and Castro to start the final quarter handed the Tropang GIGA its biggest lead at 69-56. The Hotshots trimmed it down to 63-69 but Kelly kept them at bay as he connected another trifecta for TNT.

Magnolia had its last stand at 66-72 with over two minutes left in the contest but Castro drilled a triple for TNT followed by free throws by Kelly and another three-pointer from John Paul Erram to secure the victory.

Calvin Abueva paced the Hotshots (5-2) with 23 points and six rebounds, Paul Lee struggled with his shots to finish with 13, while Ian Sangalang and Andy Mark Barroca each contributed 10 points.

 BOX SCORE:

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, Exciminiano 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./ASC, WDJ