PBA: TNT extends win streak to four, turns back NorthPort
TNT’s Jayson Castro. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–TNT sustained its winning ways on Wednesday, dealing NorthPort a 117-112 loss in the 2022 PBA Philippine Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
Jayson Castro came through down the stretch once again, hitting a key triple to douse a feisty Batang Pier comeback try inside the final minute of the contest.
“Our objective is to win as many wins as possible before we play the giants at the end of our schedule,” said TNT coach Chot Reyes, whose club improved to 6-2 just behind tied pacesetters San Miguel Beer and Barangay Ginebra.
“But right now, the key is for us is to get better and develop our game,” he added.
Mikey Williams stars anew for TNT. –PBA IMAGES
Mikey Williams turned in another solid game, putting up a team-best 27 points that went with seven rebounds. Roger Pogoy chipped in 22 to backstop Castro’s 17.
Poy Erram also finished big for the defending champions, dropping 17 points and 14 rebounds. Jayjay Alejandro tossed in 12 more as TNT gird for a desperate Terrafirma side looking for its first win in this conference.
NorthPort drew 27 points from Jamie Malonzo and 24 more from Roi Sumang. Rookie JM Calma added 16 as two more scored in double figures for the Batang Pier who dropped to 2-4 as their slide continue for a fourth straight game.
The scores:
TNT 117 – M. Williams 27, Pogoy 22, Erram 17, Castro 17, Khobuntin 9, Heruela 7, K. Williams 2, Marcelo 2, Ganuelas-Rosser 2, Cruz 0, Banal 0.
NorthPort 112 – Malonzo 27, Sumang 24, Calma 16, Ferrer 14, Balanza 10, Ayaay 7, Santos 6, Bolick 5, Javier 1, Dela Cruz 1, Taha 0.
Quarters: 26-30; 55-55; 85-78p; 117-112.
