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Kelly Williams scored eight of TNT’s last 12 points and the Texters pulled off a 101-94 Game 5 victory over San Miguel to move a win away from the 2017 PBA Philippine Cup Finals Thursday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The former PBA Most Valuable Player took advantage of the Beermen’s creases on defense to finish with 18 points, seven rebounds, and three steals.
The KaTropa can finish the series on Game 6 on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Jayson Castro also fired 11 of his 18 markers, seven assists, and four boards, while Ranidel de Ocampo poured 18 points and four rebounds in the win.
“They made their adjustments, and we made the most of our counter-adjustments,” said coach Nash Racela, as TNT grabbed a 3-2 series lead.
The KaTropa can finish the series in Game 6, Saturday, at Mall of Asia Arena.
Castro fended off the Beermen who closed in within one, 83-82, with six minutes to play and answered back with a 10-3 blast to stretch the lead to 93-85 in the final 2:07.
From there, Williams got his way against June Mar Fajardo, beating him to the rim with his reverse layups to secure the win.
Arwind Santos topped San Miguel with 18 points and six rebounds, while Alex Cabagnot had 17 markers, five boards, and four assists in the loss.
The Scores:
TNT 101 – Castro 18, Williams 18, De Ocampo 18, Pogoy 11, Reyes 9, Rosales 8, Fonacier 7, Seigle 4, Carey 2, Tautuaa 2, Rosario 2, Ganuelas-Rosser 0, Golla 0, Sumalinog 0.
SAN MIGUEL 94 – Santos 18, Cabagnot 17, Lassiter 16, Ross 15, Fajardo 13, Espinas 9, Reyes 4, Garcia 2, Agovida 0, Tubid 0.
Quarters: 24-32, 50-40, 73-69, 101-94.