TNT, sans Mikey Williams, outlasts Magnolia in title defense opener

Playing without newly-minted Rookie of the Year Mikey Williams, TNT Tropang Giga opened their Philippine Cup title defense bid against Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots, 78-72, on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Leading by just two points with 1:06 left in the fourth period, Jayson Castro gave TNT enough margin, 75-71, after completing his free throws off a Calvin Abueva foul.

A split from Ian Sangalang added to Magnolia's final score output before a split and a dunk from Matt Ganuelas-Rosser sealed the deal for TNT.

The tightly-contested match was locked at 42 at the end of the first half.

Troy Rosario tallied 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Castro tallied 16 markers, six assists, and two rebounds. Poy Erram had 14 boards and five points in the win.

Sangalang had 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Abueva also had a double-double with 12 for both points and rebounds.

TNT will see action on Thursday against Blackwater while Magnolia will go against Converge on Friday. Both games will be played at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

The scores:

TNT 78 – Rosario 22, Castro 16, Khobuntin 9, Pogoy 8, Ganuelas-Rosser 6, Erram 5, Montalbo 3, Cruz 2, Reyes 2, Marcelo 2, Banal 0, Tungcab 0.

Magnolia 72 – Sangalang 18, Barroca 14, Jalalon 12, Abueva 12, Reavis 5, Lee 4, Wong 4, Dionisio 3, Corpuz 0, Laput 0, Dela Rosa 0.

Quarters: 22-21, 42-42, 53-55, 78-72.

—JMB, GMA News