PBA: TNT ends slump, routs Meralco

PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines — TNT took control in the second quarter and never let up to beat Meralco, 92-79, in the PBA Philippine Cup Saturday night at AUF Sports Arena & Cultural Center in Angeles, Pampanga.

Roger Pogoy was instrumental in the Tropang Giga’s second-quarter surge, scoring 11 of his game-high 27 points in the pivotal period.

“Honestly, we’re really down after two straight losses but our coaches told us to not feel pressured and just play our game,” Pogoy said in Filipino after helping TNT stop a two-game slide.

Pogoy, who also had eight rebounds, hit a one-hander to put the Tropang Giga back up by 11, 90-79, with1:17 remaining.

Jayson Castro added 24 points, four rebounds, five assists, and three steals for TNT before fouling out with still 4:11 left to play.

Ray Parks tallied a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds for the Tropang Giga, who gained sole possession of the second spot with a 7-3 card.

The game was tied at 35 before TNT went on a 17-5 run spearheaded by Pogoy.

Chris Newsome had 17 points and four assists for the Bolts, whose two-game run ended as they slipped to 5-4.