TNT survives late SMB run to take Game 1 of PHL Cup semis

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The TNT Tropang Giga sank timely shots and pulled off the late-game stops against the San Miguel Beermen to clinch Game 1 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals, 89-88.

Tagged as the “battle of the heavyweights,” the Tropang Giga got the last laugh courtesy of a breakout game from their superstar gunner Roger Pogoy who finished with a conference-high 23 points.

Pogoy’s insane third quarter helped TNT establish momentum and helped pace his squad every time the men in red scored and looked to make a run.

The biggest offensive play for the Tropang Giga also came from Pogoy as he converted on a strong basket with 1:30 minutes remaining in the final quarter that increased their cushion to 89-84.

San Miguel would inch closer as CJ Perez converted on two straight drives to the hoop, 89-88, and had an opportunity to take the lead when Pogoy missed a trey on the other end.

However, the Beermen weren’t able to bury their last possession after Marcio Lassiter missed a potential game-winning layup.

Jayson Castro also played huge for the Tropang Giga as he restored order in the court in the last six minutes of the fourth quarter when the Beermen made their offensive run.

The veteran point guard contributed 16 points, six rebounds, six assists, and two steals in the win while big man Poy Erram added 15 points and five rebounds.

Meanwhile, SMB had four of their stars score in double-digits led by Perez with 23 points but it wasn’t enough to hold down the surging TNT team.

The Beermen will have a chance to equalize in the best-of-seven series in Game 2 but the schedule is yet to be announced.