TNT bucks pesky Kia squad

The TNT KaTropa relied on the endgame heroics of RR Garcia to claim 90-85 victory on Wednesday at the MOA Arena.

RR Garcia scored 13 points off the bench, including TNT’s final five that put the game out of reach. Kelly Williams was named Best Player of the Game with 23 points and eight rebounds, while Jayson Castro added 22 with nine boards and four assists.

Tony Semerad of TNT goes for a layup against Jonjon Gabriel of KIA during their game in the 43rd PBA Philippine Cup in MOA Arena on Wednesday. Photo: KC Cruz

The Picanto trimmed a late eight-point lead to just two at the 1:35 mark after a Jackson Corpuz layup, 85-83, but RR Garcia connected on two straight baskets to stretch the lead to six anew.

Kia was forced to call for time, but Corpuz and Pong Galanza missed on their free throws and three-point attempts. A follow by Galanza cut the lead to four, but too much time was drained on the clock as Garcia put the game away with a split with nine seconds remaining.

Rashawn McCarthy paced Kia with 21 markers and seven assists with four boards as a starter, while Jackson Corpuz tallied 17 with eight boards. — LA, GMA News