Jayson Castro and Poy Erram drilled in key baskets in the final minute to save the day for undermanned defending champion Talk N Text Tropang Giga on Wednesday in the 2022 PBA Philippine Cup at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Castro’s triple and charity in the last 28 seconds helped the Tropang Giga endure a late comeback by the NorthPort Batang Pier to post a 117-112 triumph.
His baskets came right after the Batang Pier threatened at 110-111, allowing the Tropang Giga to move out of range by five points, 115-110.
Castro and Erram each had 17 points for the Tropang Giga, who posted their sixth win in eight games.
Erram’s split charity in the last 10 seconds finalized the count for Tropang Giga. Erram scored moments after Jamie Malonzo dunked with 16 ticks remaining to keep Batang Pier close, 112-116.
TNT has been struggling with its injured players still in recovery mode. But coach Chot Reyes has asked his reserves to contribute in their absence.
“We don’t worry about those who are not here, but for those who are here. And we took it from there,” said Reyes.
Knee injuries have been bothering Troy Rosario, Ryan Reyes and JD Tungcab since the Tropa’s 87-72 win over Phoenix Super LPG last Sunday.
They also missed Kib Montalbo, who sat the match out due to a groin strain.
Mikey Williams led Tropang Giga with 27 points and seven rebounds, while Roger Pogoy added 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals.