PBA: TNT bounces back, routs NLEX

TNT rookie Mikey Williams. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—TNT got back on the win column after a dominant 100-85 win over NLEX in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup Friday at DHVSU Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.

The Tropang Giga, who lost 83-67 to San Miguel in their previous game, maintained their place atop the ladder with a 7-1 record while the Road Warriors dropped their second straight contest en route to a 4-4 card.

Down two at the end of the first half, 49-47, the Tropang Giga mounted an offensive comeback in the third outscoring the Road Warriors 33-19 to go up 80-68 heading into the fourth.

TNT head coach Chot Reyes said their focus was to wear down a tired NLEX team that was coming off a double overtime loss to Magnolia, 112-105, on Wednesday.

“We talked about matching the intensity of NLEX in the first half and we knew that they were coming from a double overtime game,” said Reyes. “Eventually our pace will wear them down.”

“They gave us a lot of problems in the first half but in the second our activity and pace wore them down. That double OT game took a toll on them.”

Rookie Mikey Williams lit up for the Tropang Giga putting up 36 points, on 13-of-20 shooting, while coming away with four rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

Mikey steal and hammer on the breakaway! 89-71 TNT #PBAiTuloyAngLaban pic.twitter.com/zt1BaFpGC9

— PBA (@pbaconnect) September 10, 2021

Roger Pogoy and Kib Montalbo chipped in 13 points apiece for TNT while Kelly Williams missed out on a double-double with 10 points and nine boards.

Kevin Alas led NLEX with 16 points while Michael Miranda and Don Trollano had identical lines of 14 points and seven rebounds.