TNT gained its second wind in the crucial stretch and survived a fourth quarter storm from Magnolia to preserve a 93-85 triumph in the Philippine Basketball Association Governors' Cup on Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Roger Pogoy came away with big plays, not just delivering key baskets, but also in setting up his teammates as he made everyone on the team look good.
Jojo Lastimosa, an all-time PBA great, who was appointed as head coach of the Tropang Giga this conference, considered Pogoy as the best two-way player in the league today.
"Right now, Roger is probably the best two-way player in the league," said Lastimosa. "We've been looking for him every time we need a basket. He's humble,"
"We've come a long way in FEU and he knows it's through hard work the reason why he's here now."
Pogoy didn't disappoint as he hit 12 of his points in the second half while also pulling down five rebounds and dishing out three assists.
The Gilas Pilipinas mainstay keyed the Tropang Giga's third win in four games as they got back on the winning track after absorbing their first loss of the tournament previously against NLEX.
The Scores:
TNT 93 – Pogoy 20, M.Williams 14, Hudson 14, Oftana 14, K.Williams 11, Castro 9, Khobuntin 4, Chua 4, Tungcab 3, Varilla 0, Montalbo 0, Ganuelas-Rosser 0
MAGNOLIA 85 – Lee 24, McCree 12, Abueva 12, Jalalon 10, Escoto 8, Wong 6, Barroca 5, Dionisio 4, Dela Rosa 2,Corpuz 2, Ahanmisi 0
QUARTERS: 18-21, 52-39, 75-64, 93-85