MIKEY WILLIAMS played true to form and TNT Tropang Giga doused a NorthPort fourth-quarter rally that Roi Sumang ignited to score a 117-112 victory—the KaTrtopa’s sixth win in eight games—in the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Williams was in his elements to finish with 27 points on five triples while JP Erram registered a double-double of 17 points and 14 rebounds with two blocks to lead TNT’s charge for its fourth straight victory.
But it was veteran Jayson Castro, whose three-pointer doused cold water on NorthPort’s blazing comeback in the fourth period.
Sumang scattered 10 of his 24 points in the final quarter, including a three-pointer from the corner that saw NorthPort rally from an 84-97 deficit to close the gap at 110-111 with a minute left.
The KaTropa, however, were quick to react and behind Castro’s triple, bailed themselves out of danger, 114-110, with 50 seconds remaining.
TNT scored three free throws while NorthPort miserably missed its shots the rest of the way.
“Our objective is to get as many wins as possible, but what’s important for us is to get better each game,” TNT Coach Chot Reyes said. “We’re seeing great contributions from the other guys despite those injuries we have right now.”
Troy Rosario, Jaydee Tungcab and Ryan Reyes are all nursing knee injuries.
Roger Pogoy also stepped up with 22 points for TNT.
“The guys who’re healthy are ready to play. It’s a matter of mentality,” said Pogoy, referring to the Jayjay Alejandro and Glenn Khobuntin who scored 12 and nine points, respectively.
Sumang also issued 10 assists while Jamie Malonzo had 27 points, eight rebounds and three blocks for NorthPort.
Robert Bolick sprained his right ankle in the fourth quarter and could only watch the action from the bench as NorthPort absorbed its fourth straight loss after winning its first two games this season.