THE TNT Tropang Giga fought off a spirited comeback attempt by Terrafirma to defeat the Dyip, 86-79, in the 46th PBA Philippine Cup on Saturday, July 17, 2021, at the Ynares Arena in Pasig City.
TNT led by as much as 22 points but saw their lead dwindle to just five, 84-79, after two free-throws by Terrafirma guard Juami Tiongson with 2:10 remaining in the match. The Dyip even had several chances to come even closer but Tiongson muffed his layup and three-point attempt in the game’s final moments.
TNT big man JP Erram then put the game on ice as he canned a layup to raise their lead to seven, 86-79, with just 19 seconds remaining on the clock.
Castro led TNT with 17 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Erram had a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds to go with three blocks. Troy Rosario also had a double-double of his own with 14 markers and 10 boards, while Cebuano wingman Roger Pogoy chipped in 10 points, four rebounds and five assists.
Cebuano forward Aldrech Ramos paced Terrafirma with 17 points while Rashawn Mccarthy had 13 points. Joshua Munzon, the first pick in this year’s rookie draft, struggled in his debut and wound up with just six points on 3-of-16 shooting from the field. (JNP)