MANILA — TNT Tropang 5G erased a double-digit halftime deficit behind Roger Pogoy and Nick Hornsby before storming to a commanding 116-98 victory over San Miguel Beermen in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup on Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Trailing by five points after the opening quarter and by as many as 10 at halftime, the Tropang 5G unleashed a blistering second-half assault, outscoring the Beermen, 56-33, over the final two quarters to turn a closely contested encounter into an emphatic victory.
Pogoy spearheaded TNT’s comeback with 21 points to earn Player of the Game honors, while Hornsby delivered a team-high 23 points as the Tropang 5G improved their record to 6-4.
Calvin Oftana provided additional firepower with 18 points, followed by Rey Nambatac with 15 and veteran guard Jayson Castro with 13.
Jordan Heading contributed 12 points, while Henry Galinato added 10 as TNT displayed balanced scoring to overwhelm the Beermen.
San Miguel appeared headed for another victory after establishing a 33-30 advantage in the opening quarter and sustaining its offensive rhythm with 32 points in the second period to take a 65-60 halftime lead.
However, the complexion of the game changed dramatically after the break as TNT tightened its defense and unleashed a decisive 33-18 third-quarter surge to seize a 93-83 advantage entering the final period.
The Tropang 5G refused to relinquish control, maintaining their defensive intensity while outscoring San Miguel, 23-15, in the fourth quarter to complete the 18-point rout.
Jaymar Perez paced the Beermen with 21 points, while George King contributed 20. Marcio Lassiter added 16 points, and seven-time PBA Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo finished with 14.
Meanwhile, Terrafirma Dyip delivered an offensive explosion to demolish the Macau Giant Pandas, 146-127, and secure their fourth victory in 10 outings.
Justin Strings powered the Dyip with a double-double of 32 points and 11 rebounds, while Juami Tiongson erupted for 30 points as Terrafirma overwhelmed Macau with its relentless scoring attack.
JM Bravo provided 22 points, while Geo Chiu dominated underneath with an impressive double-double of 18 points and 20 rebounds.
Joseph Eriobu and Brent Paraiso contributed 11 points apiece as the Dyip improved to a 4-6 win-loss record.
Chon Pong Lao led the Giant Pandas with 20 points, while Xinzhang Chao added 14 as Macau suffered its eighth defeat in 10 games, dropping to 2-8./PN
