PBA: Pogoy, TNT remain in sharp form, crush Alaska

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RR Pogoy came up with a sharp offensive effort on Friday, leading TNT KaTropa to a 92-78 victory over Alaska as the Texters stayed in the running for a twice-to-beat privilege in the first round of the PBA Philippine Cup playoffs.

Missing just four of 13 field goal attempts for 24 points in just over 20 minutes on the Cuneta Astrodome floor, Pogoy was hot for the second straight outing for the equally sizzling Texters, who won a fourth straight game and rose to 6-3 overall.

Pogoy, who also led the Texters with 28 points in a 127-89 demolition of Blackwater last week, was forced to limp out of the floor with 8:44 left after a physical play for a looseball. The Texters were able to carve out the dominant win even with just one other player–Troy Rosario with 15 points–finishing in twin digits and franchise player Jason Castro shooting just eight.

With a sweep of their remaining two games in the eliminations, the Texters can avail of the quarterfinal bonus via the backdoor by dragging the No. 2 team into a playoff.

The loss was the third straight for the Aces, who have labored hard all-conference long because of manpower woes. With a 3-5 slate, Alaska would need to sweep their last three games to entertain thoughts of making the playoffs without a hitch.