By Adrian Stewart Co
TNT Tropang Giga manhandled San Miguel Beermen (SMB) from start to finish in Game 5 for a 110-90 victory in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup semifinals on Wednesday night at the Don Honorio Ventura State University Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.
Jayson Castro top-scored with 19 points and six assists, while rookie Mikey Williams and Roger Pogoy added 18 markers apiece as the Tropang Giga surged to a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Jeth Troy Rosario contributed 17 markers, while Kelly Williams and John Paul Erram returned to Tropang Giga roster with 12 and 10 markers, respectively.
The Tropang Giga set the tone early with consecutive triples from Erram, Williams and Bacolodnon Kib Montalbo for a 32-17 lead. TNT went on with its rampage in the second quarter behind Castro and Ryan Reyes as the lead reached 61-35 at the half.
The Tropang Giga went on to build its largest lead at 70-42 early in the third on baskets by Rosario and Pogoy but the Beermen countered with a rally to trim the deficit to 61-81.
San Miguel Beer made its last push in the fourth period at 68-83 but TNT banked on timely two-pointers by Castro and Pogoy and an outside hit by Williams to stretch the lead to 92-71.
“Alam natin sobrang lakas ng San Miguel, at sanay lumaro sa championship. Pero kahit malakas sila, alam namin may tsansa kami if we make our shots at kung lagpasan namin ang effort nila,” said Castro.
June Mar Fajardo tallied double-double 23 points and 12 rebounds, while Jaymar Perez, Arwind Santos and Terrence Romeo contributed 18, 14 and 12 markers, respectively, for the Beermen.
BOX SCORE:
TNT 110 – Castro 19, Pogoy 18, M. Williams 18, Rosario 17, K. Williams 12, Erram 10, Reyes 6, Montalbo 5, Exciminiano 3, Marcelo 2, Heruela 0, Alejandro 0, Khobuntin 0.
SAN MIGUEL 90 – Fajardo 23, Perez 18, Santos 14, Romeo 12, Tautuaa 10, Lassiter 5, Ross 3, Pessumal 3, Cabagnot 2, Zamar 0, Gamalinda 0, Sena 0.
Quarterscores: 32-17, 61-35, 81-61, 110-90./ASC, WDJ