The TNT Tropang Giga almost paid dearly for lowering its guard against winless Blackwater Elite Bossings.
After squandering a 20-point lead in the fourth quarter, the Tropang Giga banked on timely baskets from Michael Williams and Ryan Reyes to get things under control and bury the Bossings, 106-93, in the 46th Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Williams went on to finish with 23 points to lead the Tropang Giga to their third straight win.
“We relaxed. We almost paid for it. We go up by 18 to 20 points, we had a chance to blow the game wide open, we relax, then Blackwater just came back,” said Tropang Giga coach Chot Reyes.
The 6’2” Williams returned after being rested halfway in the fourth and scored seven points.
After the Bossings threatened by 11, Williams took charge for TNT with a layup in the 4:59 mark and in the last 2:24.
This helped the Tropang Giga move ahead with a final scoring surge that saw them taking a 15-point spread, 103-88.
Aaron Fuller tallied 16 points and controlled the boards with 22 rebounds, while Reyes and Roger Pogoy contributed 16.
Williams capped a 10-2 run in the first quarter with a layup off Kelly Williams’ pass in the final 8:07 as they went on to cruise to a 24-16 advantage at the end of the first period.
Fuller and J-Jay Alejandro combined for 11 points in the second period as TNT established a 49-36 halftime lead.
Shawn Glover fired 26 points, while JVee Casio shot 21 for the Bossings, who are winless after 10 outings.
