Erram shines as TNT nears finals return

Poy Erram exploded for 27 points to power TNT to a 102-83 victory over limping Meralco in Game 4 for a 3-1 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Philippine Cup best-of-seven semifinals series lead on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Erram, who came in averaging 2.0 points per game after recovering from a knee injury, made all his first eight shots and uncorked 21 markers in the first half as the Tropang 5G dictated the match early to move within a win away to a fourth consecutive finals appearance.

The fiery forward came a rebound short of a double-double with three blocks and two assists in 25 minutes of play.

TNT will try to finish off Meralco, which sat out top guard Chris Newsome after sustaining a knee injury late in Game 3, on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“All I wanted was to help the team. I’m just blessed to be given a chance to play this long,” Erram said.

Jordan Heading bounced back from a listless previous outing with 15 points, Calvin Oftana added 14 markers while Kim Aurin scored 10 for the Tropang 5G.

TNT, however, lost RR Pogoy early in the game after hurting his hamstring. Rey Nambatac also played for only three minutes due to a sprained ankle he sustained last game.

Chris Banchero got 19 points while Cliff Hodge and CJ Cansino added 17 markers each for the already back against the wall Meralco.