PBA

Mikey Williams shines anew as TNT survives NorthPort to secure twice-to-beat edge in playoffs

TNT Tropang Giga will march to the playoff round with a much-needed boost after their 102-92 victory over the feisty NorthPort Batang Pier in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday in Bacolor, Pampanga.

With their win, the Tropang Giga gained a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinal round on the strength of their 9-1 win-loss card.

Mikey Williams put on a steady performance once again with 29 points, three rebounds, and five assists while Kib Montalbo added some firepower after finishing with a career-high 22 markers, five boards, and three dimes.

"We knew we were in for a battle because this team is tall, athletic, long, and this, you know, this was a very bad match-up for us, and I'm just glad we were able to grind out the W," TNT head coach Chot Reyes said in the post-game interview.

The Tropang Giga trailed by as many as 10 markers in the second quarter but they were able to turn it around at the half. Williams hit a buzzer-beater three to give TNT a slim upper hand over the Batang Pier, 42-41.

Another three-pointer from him at the 2:19 mark of the third quarter gave TNT a 12-point cushion, 71-59. Veteran playmaker Jayson Castro drained four-straight points to cap off the third quarter at 76-64.

NorthPort was able to close the gap to a single-digit after a four-point play from Robert Bolick, 87-80. But Williams and Montalbo combined for 11 points to lead a 15-10 run as the Tropang Giga booked their ninth win in 10 games.

The Batang Pier, meanwhile, now holds a 4-4 card. The team got solid outings from Paolo Taha and Jamie Malonzo who had 20 and 15 points, respectively.

NorthPort played sans Sean Anthony (bone spurs) and Greg Slaughter (bacterial infection) while TNT was without Glenn Khobuntin (thigh).

The scores:

TNT (102) — K. Williams 29, Montalbo 22, Rosario 18, K. Williams 11, Castro 9, Reyes 6, Heruela 4, Pogoy 3, Alejandro 0, Erram 0, Marcelo 0, Mendoza 0

NorthPort (92) — Taha 20, Ferrer 17, Malonzo 15, Bolick 12, Grey 10, Onwubere 9, Balanza 4, Lanete 4, Elorde 1, Rike 0

Quarter scores: 19-22, 42-41, 76-64, 102-92

—MGP, GMA News