The TNT Tropang Giga beat their sister team Meralco, 91-76, to keep its unscathed record at 5-0 in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup Friday in Bacolor, Pampanga.
The Bolts, on the other hand, absorbed their first loss after three straight victories for a 5-2 card.
The win, though, did not come easy for the Tropang Giga, who are looking for another strong run this year after a bridesmaid finish last season to Ginebra.
TNT established their biggest lead of the game at 30 points, but found itself having to hold off a strong rally by Meralco.
The Bolts went on a 14-2 run in the third quarter to cut their deficit down to 18, 67-49, before coming to as close as 11 points, 76-65, behind back-to-back baskets from veteran big man Reynel Hugnatan.
Mikey Williams stopped the bleeding for TNT after scoring five straight points, 83-65, and Meralco could not stage a late comeback as TNT walked away with the win to stay atop the team standings.
TNT, who's coming off a 96-76 triumph over Blackwater, was led by Williams who recorded 27 points, four rebounds, and two assists in almost 35 minutes of action. RR Pogoy added 20 markers while Jayson Castro chipped in 14.
Nards Pinto carried the offensive charge for Meralco with team-high 16 points while Hugnatan finished with a double-double output of 14 markers and 11 boards.
SOURCE: https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/sports/basketball/802019/tnt-extends-winning-streak-at-the-expense-of-sister-team-meralco/story/