TNT routs Alaska, secures top spot ahead of PH Cup playoffs

The TNT Tropang Giga have wrapped up their elimination round with a rout of Alaska, 103-85, and gained the solo top spot of the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup Saturday at the DHVSU Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.

TNT had already secured a twice-to-beat edge for the quarterfinal following a win over NorthPort last September 15 while Magnolia, Meralco, Rain or Shine, and San Miguel had also clinched playoff berths.

Against the Aces, Poy Erram took over with an all-around performance of 17 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks while RR Pogoy carved out 18 markers and four boards to steer TNT to a 10-1 record.

Mikey Williams was also in his usual form after scoring 12 points, grabbing seven rebounds, and dishing seven assists as they sent Alaska to a 3-5 card.

"First of all, I wanted to acknowledge the incredible job that coach Jeff (Cariaso) and the Alaska coaching staff did. Just the effort they had last night was fantastic and they have another game tomorrow," TNT head coach Chot Reyes said of Alaska, who is facing a grueling schedule after a long layoff.

"For us, the only thing we talked about pre-game was how we can grow. We wanted to try some things in this game that we haven't done in the past few games."

Aside from finishing the eliminations at the top of the standings, TNT has also stretched its winning streak to four after it endured its lone loss to SMB last September 8.

Their four-game winning streak also made the Tropang Giga the hottest team in the league followed by Meralco and Rain or Shine, who are both on a roll with a two-game winning streak.

"We have to figure out how to stay sharp because I know we're going to have a pretty long break now," added Reyes, whose team finished as a runner-up to Ginebra last season.

The Aces, meanwhile, are now on the brink of elimination but are still in contention for a playoff spot. They will be back on the court on Sunday, September 19, against Terrafirma.

The scores:

TNT (103) - Pogoy 18, Erram 17, M. Williams 12, K. Williams 12, Alejandro 11, Marcelo 7, Rosario 5, Exciminiano 3, Mendoza 3, Reyes 9, Castro 2, Heruela 2, Javier 2.

Alaska (85) - Tratter 12, Casio 11, Banal 9, Marcelino 9,  Brondial 8, Digregorio 8, Browne 7, Ahanmisi 5, Herndon 5, Adamos 4, Teng 4, Ebona 3, Stockton 0, Publico 0.

Quarterscores: 22-15, 49-37, 68-56, 103-85.

—JMB, GMA News