TNT’s Troy Rosario throws down a dunk. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—A new champion will be crowned after top seed TNT trumped titleholder Barangay Ginebra, 84-71, in the quarterfinals of the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup Wednesday at DHVSU Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.
The Tropang Giga needed just one win to advance to the semifinals and they did so in convincing fashion, dominating the no.8 Gin Kings on both ends of the floor.
Already depleted to its core without Japeth Aguilar and Scottie Thompson, the Gin Kings shot a paltry 30.6 percent, 22-of-72, from the field with their main contributors Stanley Pringle, LA Tenorio, and Christian Standhardinger firing blanks.
It was still a close affair in the first half with TNT holding just a six-point lead, 39-33, but the third quarter proved to be a different story.
The Tropang Giga built an 18-point lead, 64-46, on the back of a 14-3 run that RR Pogoy capped off with a layup with 52 under a minute left in the third.
“The start was extremely difficult so we counted on our defense to allow us to stay in the game,” said TNT head coach Chot Reyes, who added that a complete Ginebra team would’ve proven more difficult for them.
“We’re not kidding ourselves, every team would not want to meet Ginebra in the quarterfinals. I doubt they would be in eighth place if they’re complete.”
Pogoy had 16 points to lead Ginebra’s offense while Troy Rosario added 15 points and five rebounds.
Standhardinger had 17 points and 19 rebounds but shot just 5-of-12 from the field to lead the Gin Kings.