PBA: TNT overwhelms San Miguel for a 2-1 semis lead

TNT forward Roger Pogoy. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Phiippines—TNT dominated San Miguel, 115-98,  take a pivotal 2-1 series lead in its semifinals matchup in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup Friday at DHVSU Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.

Mikey Williams converted on a three-point play to cap off the Tropang Giga’s 18-0 run for the 41-25 lead midway through the second quarter, marking the beginning of San Miguel’s miserable Game 3.

Roger Pogoy then put TNT up as big as 20, 83-63, with 1:50 left in the third.

With their heartbreaking 98-96 Game 2 loss still being felt, TNT head coach Chot Reyes reminded his players that the finishing strong in the fourth quarter was imperative.

“We just talked about playing 48 minutes because in this series we got beat in the fourth quarter both games so our focus now is to play the whole 48 minutes,” said Reyes.

TNT carried a big 15-point lead, 82-67, heading into the fourth quarter of Game 2 only to lose after Marcio Lassiter cleaned up Arwind Santos’ initial missed tip at the buzzer.

“I told them ‘let’s focus here, let’s lock and and remember what we talked about we need to close out games,’ credit to the players they responded,” added Reyes.

Pogoy finished with a game-high 26 points while Poy Erram added a 21-point, 13-rebound double-double.

Willaims pitched in 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists.

Terrence Romeo led the Beermen with 22 points and seven boards.