TNT outlasts NorthPort in OT, secures quarters twice-to-beat advantage

Mikey Williams sizzled in overtime as TNT Tropang Giga eked out a 106-101 win over NorthPort to secure a quarterfinal bonus in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Araneta Coliseum Friday night.

Williams drilled eight of his 28 points in the extra period to give TNT a twice-to-beat advantage going to the Last Eight.

Import Aaron Fuller added 15 points and 20 rebounds, while Jayson Castro displayed his vintage form for 15 points, seven boards and five assists off the bench.

With the win, the Tropang Giga finished at third place with a 7-4 record for an explosive match against defending champion Barangay Ginebra in the next round.

The Batang Pier could still have a shot for a quarterfinal berth when they battle Phoenix in a do-or-die playoff match on Sunday.

The winner of the playoff battle will face league-leading Magnolia, while second placer NLEX will battle Alaska.

Meralco, meanwhile, will carry a twice-to-beat advantage in its reunion match against San Miguel Beer.

 

The Scores:

TNT (106) — M. Williams 28, Castro 15, Fuller 15, Pogoy 11, K.Williams 10, Rosario 6, Erram 6, Montalbo 5, Khobuntin 5, Reyes 5, Heruela 0.

NORTHPORT (101) — Artis 39, Bolick 22, Santos 16, Malonzo 13, Balanza 6, Taha 3, Ferrer 2, Rike 0.

QUARTERS: 29-14, 54-39, 72-73, 90-90, 106-101.