The TNT Tropang Giga stayed unbeaten in the PBA bubble as they torched the Blackwater Elite, 109-96, in the Philippine Cup at the Angeles University Foundation in Pampanga on Thursday, October 22.
Roger Pogoy had another solid outing as he finished with 20 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals for the Tropang Giga, who took a solo 5-0 lead in the standings.
After leading by 14 markers, 87-73, heading into the final period, the Tropang Giga extended their lead to as many as 21 points, 102-81 with 5 minutes remaining, which ultimately sealed the ball game for them.
Five Tropang Gigas stepped up and scored in double figures in the absence of star point guard Jayson Castro, who sat out due to right calf tightness.
“Ganyan talaga kami kapag may na-injured, dapat talaga mag-step up yung ibang players,” said Pogoy.
(That’s how we really are when someone gets injured. All the other players should step up.)
Ray Parks had 18 points and 5 assists, Troy Rosario chipped in 17 points and 12 rebounds, while Simon Enciso and Poy Erram added 16 and 14 points, respectively, for the Tropang Giga.
Don Trollano finished with 23 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists, while Mac Belo contributed 16 points and 8 rebounds for the Elite, who dropped to 2-3 in the standings.