PBA: TNT holds off Magnolia to book QF ticket

TNT fended off a late rally from Magnolia, 98-93, to book a quarterfinals berth in the PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Kelly Williams and Jayson Castro flaunted their veteran presence with the seasoned big man pouring in a team-high 19 points, eight rebounds, and four assists while the shifty playmaker churned out 18 markers off the bench alongside seven dimes, and four boards. 

The Tropang Giga have officially clinched a spot in the playoffs after improving to 6-5 while the Hotshots, who were already assured of a QF berth prior to the game, ended their elimination round run with a 6-5 slate. 

TNT once mounted an 18-point lead, 58-40, but the Hotshots were able to claw their way back late in the fourth with Aris Dionisio burying a triple to cut their deficit to just six, 83-89, with 3:36 left in the game. 

However, TNT held on just enough to still pull off the upset win. 

Brian Heruela and Calvin Oftana provided the lift with 13 and 12 points apiece while Mark Barroca and Ian Sangalang paced Magnolia with 22 and 21 points each. 

Scores:

TNT 98 – K.Williams 19, Castro 18, Heruela 13, Oftana 12, Ponferrada 10, Pogoy 7, Khobuntin 7, B.Ganuelas-Rosser 4, Montalbo 4, Aurin 2, Galinato 2, Varilla 0.

Magnolia 93 – Barroca 22, Sangalang 21, Dionisio 14, Dela Rosa 9, Abueva 7, Jalalon 6, Balanza 5, Lee 3, Laput 2, Reavis 2, Tratter 2, Eriobu 0, Mendoza 0.

Quarters: 16-14, 47-36, 80-65, 98-93

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News