PBA: TNT dominates Meralco to move a win away from Philippine Cup finals

TNT overpowered Meralco, 102-83, in Game 4 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals to move one win away from the finals.

The Tropang 5G took a commanding 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series behind a strong performance from Poy Erram.

Erram led TNT with 27 points, 21 of which came in the first half, while shooting an efficient 9-of-11 from the field.

TNT held a slim 20-19 lead at the end of the opening quarter despite losing RR Pogoy to an early injury.

The Tropang 5G gradually pulled away in the second period, taking a 45-38 halftime advantage before asserting control in the third quarter. TNT outscored Meralco, 27-18, to build a 72-56 lead heading into the final frame.

With 7:20 remaining in the fourth period, TNT’s cushion had swelled to 84-60, effectively giving Meralco a hard time to catch up and sealing the victory.

Jordan Heading added 15 points, while Calvin Oftana finished with 14 for TNT.

For Meralco, Cliff Hodge and CJ Cansino paced the Bolts with 17 points apiece.

Scores:

TNT 102 – Erram 27, Heading 15, Oftana 14, Aurin 10, Williams 7, Galinato 7, Ferrer 7, Ganuelas-Rosser 6, Khobuntin 4, Jalalon 2, Nieto 2, Hill 1, Nambatac 0, Pogoy 0, Enciso 0.

Meralco 83 – Banchero 19, Hodge 17, Cansino 17, Caram 8, Black 8, Almazan 7, Quinto 3, Maliksi 2, Rios 2, Bates 0, Jose 0.

Quarters: 20-19, 45-38, 72-56, 102-83.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News