PBA: TNT shuts down Meralco to go 5-0

TNT’s Mikey Williams. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—TNT kept its perfect run as it closed the lights on Meralco with a commanding 91-76 win in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup Friday at DHVSU Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.

The Tropang Giga remained atop the league with a 5-0 record while the Bolts dropped to 5-2 for the third spot in the standings.

Wary of Meralco’s press and penchant to come back in the dying minutes, the Tropang Giga created separation heading into the third as they finished the first half up 54-26 before getting outscored 33-20 in the third.

TNT pushed its lead to as big as 30, 61-31, courtesy of Roger Pogoy’s three-point play early in the penultimate quarter.

“We knew that Meralco was going to come back, we watched intently how they got their win last time,” said TNT head coach Chot Reyes of the Bolts’ 95-94 win over Magnolia on Wednesday.

“The key was our ability to be patient and not panic.”

Rookie Mikey Williams led TNT with 27 points while Pogoy added 20 points and five rebounds.

Jayson Castro also finished in double figures for the Tropang Giga with 14 points.

John Pinto led Meralco with 16 points and seven rebounds.