Fil-American Mikey Williams struck hard in the second half as he helped power the TNT Tropang Giga to a 87-72 smothering of the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters Sunday night in the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Williams, a 6’2” shooting guard from Los Angeles, California, knocked in 18 points in the last two quarters to lift the Tropang Giga to their fifth triumph in seven games.
His triple in the 8:03 mark of the third period allowed the Tropang Giga to grab a taste of the lead, 50-49, after they fought their way out of an eight-point deficit in the second canto.
RR Pogoy added 20 points, including a free throw during a 10-0 run in the final 7:38 of the third, allowing the Tropang Giga to finally take control, 73-61.
“We knew they came out strong in their last game (against Magnolia). We just had to be ready to weather their initial surge,” said Tropang Giga coach Chot Reyes.
Sean Anthony and Tyler Tio drilled in 13 points apiece for the Fuel Masters, who fell behind with a 2-4 card.
As the Tropang Giga took charge in the final canto, Pogoy’s driving layup with 1:33 to go sent them to their biggest edge at 19, 87-68.
The Fuel Masters were ahead, 46-43, at halftime, but the Tropang Giga held them to just 12 points in the third period.