PBA: TNT crushes NorthPort as Pogoy explodes for 32 points

TNT’s Roger Pogoy leads the Tropang Giga to latest win. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–TNT banked on the hot shooting of RR Pogoy to pummel NorthPort, 117-93, and bounce back from a frustrating start to its PBA Commissioner’s Cup campaign on Saturday at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Pogoy erupted for 32 points as the Tropang Giga claimed a dominant victory that shook off the ill effects of the heartbreaking 94-92 loss to the Magnolia Hotshots last Wednesday.

The loss also led to a P50,000 fine on coach Chot Reyes, who rushed toward the officials table to protest the foul called on Calvin Oftana in the dying seconds.

“Obviously, we got the win today,” said Reyes. “But honestly, I was really pleased with our effort in the last game although we lost. That’s the reason why I was upset because I felt their effort went to waste.”

Pogoy made his first 11 shots before finishing with a 12-of-14 clip highlighted by eight triples.

TNT import Cameron Oliver. –PBA IMAGES

Import Cameron Oliver put on a dunking exhibition after a quiet first half and finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds and five assists while Mikey Williams posted 19 points, seven rebounds and six assists in his Commissioner’s Cup debut.

Also returning was center Poy Erram after serving a one-game suspension for his Flagrant Foul 2 in Game 7 of the Philippine Cup Finals against San Miguel Beer last month.

NorthPort dropped to an even 2-2 record as Robert Bolick was limited to 14 points after sizzling for a career-high 44 in a shock overtime comeback win last week over Meralco.

Arvin Tolentino topscored for the Batang Pier with 19 points.

The scores:

TNT 117 — Pogoy 32, Oliver 20, Williams M. 19, Tungcab 9, Erram 8, Montalbo 8, Cruz 7, Williams K. 6, Oftana 4, Ganuelas-Rosser 4, Marcelo 0, Alejandro 0.

NORTHPORT 93 — Tolentino 19, Ibeh 18, Bolick 14, Chan 9, Ferrer 8, Santos 7, Balanza 4, Salado 4, Sumang 4, Taha 2, Calma 2, Caperal 2, Ayaay 0.

Quarters: 25-24, 58-44, 87-62, 117-93.