Roger Pogoy has another solid outing for TNT. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—TNT remained spotless after five games after putting Blackwater away, 109-96, in the PBA Philippine Cup Thursday at Angeles University Foundation.
Star guard Jayson Castro sat out the game due to a tight right calf but backup guard Simon Enciso had no problem at all adjusting to the role of running the show for the Tropang Giga, who stayed at the top spot.
Enciso flourished in his opportunity putting up 16 points, on 6-of-13 shooting, in Castro’s absence.
TNT’s strong first half built the foundation with the Tropang Giga taking a 49-33 lead four minutes into the second half after Troy Rosario’s back-to-back layups.
Despite the win, head coach Bong Ravena wasn’t at all satisfied with how his team played defense and wanted a grittier approach on that end of the court.
“Still we have to improve, we have to go back to the drawing board and finalize everything or improve our defense,” said Ravena.
“We should always have the hunger. They know what’s at stake here, we have goals, we don’t take anything for granted, we go hard and play hard.”
RR Pogoy had a team-high 20 points with seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals to lead TNT while Bobby Ray Parks Jr. added 18 points.
Rosario finished with a 17-point, 12-rebound double-double for the Tropang Giga while Poy Erram had 14 points, five boards, and five assists.
Don Trollano led the Elite with 23 points, seven rebounds, and four assists while Mac Belo added 16 points and eight rebounds.