TNT weathers Magnolia rally, bounces back for win

TNT held on against a Magnolia rally, 93-85, and return to the win column of the 2023 PBA Governors' Cup on Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

The Tropang Giga, who were fresh off a close 110-108 loss to sister team NLEX last Wednesday, improved to 3-1 while keeping Magnolia winless in two outings.

TNT led by as many as 16, 82-66, in the opening moments of the fourth period before the Hotshots  leaned on the veteran presence of Paul Lee whose two huge triples fueled a 15-1 run that brought them to within two, 83-81, with 4:57 left.

But TNT quickly returned the favor, igniting for a 10-2 rampage that saw them build another 10-point cushion, 93-83. Calvin Abueva made the last basket for Magnolia as neither team completed a basket from that point on.

RR Pogoy led TNT with 20 points, five rebounds, and three assists while Mikey Williams rediscovered his touch following a two-point outing last game as he finished with 14 markers this time to go along with seven boards and three dimes.

Import Jalen Hudson had 14 points, four rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one block.

Lee paced Magnolia with 24 markers, seven rebounds, and two assists but his production was not enough as the Hotshots, who reached the semifinals of the previous conference, remained winless in two games.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News