PBA: TNT blasts Alaska, advances to semis

TNT’s Roger Pogoy. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—TNT used a strong third quarter to eliminated sixth seed Alaska, 104-83, and advance to the semifinals of the PBA Philippine Cup Saturday at Angeles University Foundation.

The third seeded Tropang Giga trailed 51-40 in the second quarter but buckled down and went on a 14-0 run across the middle quarters to take a 54-51 lead after RR Pogoy’s triple just 40 seconds into the second half.

Vic Manuel managed to put a stop to that TNT spurt but the Tropang Giga just followed that up with an 11-0 run with Pogoy taking charge as his fadeaway jumper with 8:40 to play in the third gave his team a 65-53 lead.

“We managed to catch up in the first half and tie the game (at the break) but we focused on our defense and we made stops, we had that run and that’s when the game really changed in our favor,” said TNT head coach Bong Ravena.

“The momentum was on our side, the game’s theme was on us, and we had that cushion to sustain our lead.”

Pogoy erupted for 34 points, on 9-of-15 shooting from the field, with eight rebounds, four assists, and two steals while Bobby Ray Parks Jr. added 20 points, five boards, and five dimes.

Jeron Teng had 13 points, seven rebounds, and six assists for the Aces.

TNT will have to wait for the winner in the quarterfinals series between no.2 Phoenix and no.7 Magnolia to determine who it will face in the semifinals.