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The prolific TNT Tropang Giga guard Roger Pogoy shook off a sprained ankle and burned the Phoenix Super LPG at the PBA Season 45 Philippine Cup at the AUF Sports Arena and Cultural Center in Angeles, Pampanga on Monday night.
The Talisay City, Cebu native heated up in the second half as he scattered 20 of his 30 points to help TNT erase a 14-point deficit and come out with a 110-91 victory.
Tropang Giga outpointed Fuel Masters, 30-14, in the third period and controlled the remainder of the game to maintain their flawless record after four games inside the PBA “bubble.”
Pogoy and the rest of the Tropang Giga sent a clear and strong message that they are serious in their quest to become the best team in the Philippine Cup.
“We are tired of always losing against (We are tired of always losing in) everything Filipino. We want to try so we win here (We are able to win here), ”said Pogoy, who set the tone for Tropang Giga in his first game against Alaska Aces with a great 45-point outing in the first week of action.
Tropang Giga got all the contributions they needed as six other players finished the game in double figures.
Poy Erram accumulated 18 points, Simon Enciso threw 13, Bobby Ray Parks Jr. contributed 12 and Troy Rosario added 11, while veterans Ryan Reyes and Jayso Castro accumulated 10 points each.
Another key factor for Tropang Giga was its defense over Fuel Master star Matthew Wright, who was limited to eight points after breaking a scoreboard with 23 in the first half.
“We had a bad time in the first half and credit [goes] to Phoenix for playing well. We are lucky to make the right adjustment in the second half. The defense helped us, ”said TNT coach Bong Ravena.
Ravena also praised Pogoy for playing on his sprained ankle.
“For us coaches, he’s supposed to rest. But the boy wanted to play. We are lucky to have a player like him, [who is] all my heart, ”said Ravena de Pogoy.
The victory gives TNT an individual lead in the card team standings (4-0), while the Fuel Masters fell to 2-1.
Meanwhile, the defending champions San Miguel Beermen snapped a two-game losing streak by claiming a 105-98 victory over Terrafirma Dyip in the main game.
Five brewers came in double figures led by Mo Tautuaa, who had 25 points, six rebounds and three assists in San Miguel’s first win inside the “bubble.”
Arwind Santos was equally impressive, racking up a double-double of 20 points and 14 rebounds. Marcio Lassiter contributed 18 points and seven dimes. Von Pessumal turned in 17 markers. And Paul Zamar added 11 in an efficient 4-of-5 shot clip.
Overall, it was San Miguel’s second win in the tournament, as it carried over to a win against Magnolia Hotshots on March 8.
CJ Perez filled the stat sheet with 20 points, nine rebounds, six assists and two steals in Dyip’s third loss in as many games.
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