TNT waylays San Miguel for 3-0 start in PBA bubble

It was Poy Erram’s turn to mark a career-high. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—It was a hat trick of scoring performances for TNT as it manhandled defending champion San Miguel, 107-88, for its third straight win in the PBA Philippine Cup Friday at Angeles University Foundation.

After RR Pogoy and Bobby Ray Parks Jr. chalked up career-highs in scoring, it was Poy Erram’s turn to mark his own achievement when he poured in 27 points along 15 rebounds to lead the Tropang Giga to the top of the standings.

The Beermen was a mess of a team against TNT only taking the lead once, 2-0, after Moala Tautuaa’s jumper in the opening basket.

TNT responded with a blitzing 16-3 run to take a 16-5 lead courtesy of Parks’ three-pointer midway through the first quarter.

The Tropang Giga never looked back and ultimately buried the Beermen, who dropped to a 1-2 hole.

Making matters worse was an injury to Terrence Romeo who dislocated his shoulder when he collided with TNT’s Ryan Reyes with 4:57 left in the second quarter.

Romeo was then taken to Medical City Clark.

“We’re still adjusting to our system and we’re fortunate to have guys like Roger, Ray Ray, and now Poy step up,” said TNT head coach Bong Ravena. “We’re just taking advantage of the opportunity because our opponent wasn’t fine tuned today.”

Parks added 22 points, six rebounds, and three steals to TNT’s cause while Troy Rosario put up 15 points.

Jayson Castro orchestrated the Tropang Giga’s offense with 11 points and 11 assists.

Alex Cabagnot had 15 points to lead San Miguel.