TNT TROPANG GIGA dethroned defending champion Barangay Ginebra San Miguel with an 84-71 win to claim the first semifinal seat of Season 46 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup on Wednesday at the Don Honorio Ventura State University gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.
Armed with a twice-to-beat incentive in their quarterfinal duel, the Tropang Giga unloaded a strong second and third quarter performance to transform a 17-21 deficit to 66-49 lead at the start of the fourth quarter behind Roger Pogoy’s strong showing. They were never threatened from thereon.
Pogoy scattered 16 points and got four steals, while Troy Rosario made 15 points to lead TNT. Rookie Mikey Williams was limited to 11 points, but finished with seven rebounds and five assists while Kib Montalbo added 10 points.
Christian Standhardinger scores 17 points and grabbed 19 rebounds, while Stanley Pringle scored 15 points and collected seven rebounds to lead the Gin Kings, who played without injured Japeth Aguilar (MCL) and Scottie Thompson (Health and Safety protocols).