TNT’s Poy Erram. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Tentative for nearly the entire contest, Poy Erram got going in overtime to will TNT past Rain or Shine, 89-85, in the PBA Philippine Cup Thursday night at Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
The Tropang Giga big man scored the club’s six points in the extra period to preserve the fourth-quarter heroics of Jayson Castro and help the defending champions rise to 4-2 in the race.
“The whole game, I was playing terribly. But coach (Chot) always gives me chances. Luckily my hard work and tenacity (paid off). We were given a chance in overtime and we won,” said Erram, who put up 13 points and 10 rebounds.
Castro finished with 12 points, accounting for eight in a 10-0 run that forged a deadlock, 78-all, with 24 seconds remaining in regulation.
Troy Rosario turned in a team-best 19 points. Newly minted PBA Scoring Champion Mikey Williams chipped in 15 points in his first game back from the United States, while Roger Pogoy had 12 to send Rain or Shine to its fourth-straight loss.
The Elasto Painters drew 19 points from Mike Nieto. Rookie Gian Mamuyac added 18 off the bench while Leonard Santillan added 17 and Rey Nambatac 16.
TNT hopes to extend its streak when it plays Phoenix Super LPG this Sunday also at the hilltop venue.
Rain or Shine, meanwhile, will be facing tall odds as it battles San Miguel Beer next.
The Scores:
TNT 89 – Rosario 19, M.Williams 15, Erram 13, Pogoy 12, Castro 12, Khobuntin 5, K.Williams 4, Alejandro 4, Tungcab 3, Cruz 2, Marcelo 0, Heruela 0, Ganuelas-Rosser 0, Banal 0.
RAIN OR SHINE 85 – Nieto 19, Mamuyac 18, Santillan 17, Nambatac 16, Torres 6, Belga 5, Norwood 2, Demusis 2, Caracut 0, Borboran 0.
Quarterscores : 20-17, 37-40, 51-62, 78-78, 89-85 (OT)