TNT’s Mikey Williams. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–TNT remained red-hot on Friday, destroying Terrafirma, 114-86, to claim its fifth-straight victory in the 2022 PBA Philippine Cup.
The Tropang Giga rolled their sleeves after the intermission and played without letup until the final buzzer to stay in the hunt for a twice-to-beat protection in the playoffs.
Mikey Williams registered 31 points, his finest thus far this conference, to nudge help the defending champions to a 7-2 record.
Poy Erram added 18 points and nine rebounds while three others finished 11 or more for the vaunted squad which now braces for two final assignments: powerhouses San Miguel Beer (Thursday next week) and Barangay Ginebra (July 10).
Terrafirma, meanwhile, got the goods from Joshua Munzon and Javi Gomez de Liaño who finished with 25 and 12 points respectively in a losing effort that kept the club winless in six outings in the centerpiece tournament.
The Dyip will have five more matches left, but most of them are against contenders. Their biggest chance at notching a victory is against Rain or Shine which they play July 16.
The Scores:
TNT 114 – M.Williams 31, Erram 18, Pogoy 15, Alejandro 11, Tungcab 10, Castro 8, Heruela 6, K.Williams 6, Marcelo 6, Cruz 3, Ganuelas-Rosser 0, Banal 0, Khobuntin 0
TERRAFIRMA 86 – Munzon 25, Gomez de Liano 12, Tiongson 9, Calvo 9, Gabayni 8, Ramos 6, Mina 6, Camson 6, Cahilig 5, Tumalip 0, Balagasay
QUARTERS: 31-14, 49-48, 84-67, 114-86