In a meeting between all-Filipino teams, TNT handed NorthPort a harsh exit by way of a 99-79 decision to close out its PBA Season 39 Governors’ Cup group stage campaign on a high note, Sunday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The reigning champions overcame the Batang Pier’s hot start fueled by Arvin Tolentino through a solid second-quarter reversal, before breaking away for good in the final chapter en route to finishing the round with a 7-3 record.
As the top seed of Group A, the Tropang Giga will face Group B’s fourth-seed, which could either be NLEX or Blackwater, in the quarterfinals.
Both carry similar 4-5 records, and will fight for the said spot in their respective assignments. The Road Warriors will take on Barangay Ginebra later tonight, while the Bossing are set to collide with Rain or Shine on Monday.
Poy Erram earned Player of the Game honors as he finished with 17 points, 13 rebounds, and four assists in a commendable job patrolling the paint on a night they missed the services of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.
RHJ sitting out levelled the playing field as NorthPort played without an import as it no longer opted to bring in a replacement for Venky Jois.
