TNT came out with guns ablaze and took down a misfiring Magnolia, 88-70, to seize the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup Finals opener, Wednesday evening at the Don Honorio Ventura State University Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.
The Tropang Giga nailed four three-pointers in a 20-2 start into the match, and would hardly face any resistance from then on. The Hotshots struggled to find answers all night long, leading to their worst loss of the conference.
“Our entire objective coming in was to make sure we execute our game plan offensively and defensively. But I thought, the most important thing, was to match their effort,” said head coach Chot Reyes.
“Magnolia really comes out and plays with a lot of effort, so we focused our attention on making sure that we’re able to match their energy and their effort. And I thought we were able to do that,” he added.
Mikey Williams aced his first test against the defensive-minded crew with 21 points on 8-of-15 shooting to lead TNT. He also collected 10 rebounds, five assists, and two steals — he did it all inside the first three quarters.
The fourth overall pick went 5-of-6 from deep. His last triple gave the Tropa their biggest lead at 32, 73-41, with 3:46 left in the third canto.
“I just came in and I just wanted to contribute,” said the 29-year-old guard. “You know, I felt like we prepared well and we just wanted to execute everything Coach wanted to get done, and as a team we did that.”
Poy Erram finished with 14 points, seven boards, and a game-high three blocks. Kelly Williams added 10 markers, six caroms, three assists, and a steal.
The veteran center, though, left the game prematurely after suffering a back injury following his botched dunk attempt in the third canto, per Reyes.
“He might have strained his back in that play when he tried to go up for the dunk. And he can hardly walk,” he said as Williams was stretchered out of the venue post-game. “I hope it gets better but it doesn’t look too good now.”
The Texters shot 42-percent from the field, but defense proved to be their main weapon as it led to an atrocious night for Magnolia.
According to league stats chief Fidel Mangonon III, the Hotshots’ 70-point output is their lowest this tilt. Their 27.39-percent shooting from the floor is the third all-time lowest field goal percentage in franchise history.
Their 28 turnovers, on the other hand, are a conference record. Those errors were then converted to 26 points by the Tropa.
Jackson Corpuz led Magnolia with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Paul Lee had 12 as well, while Calvin Abueva added 11 markers and boards.
The Hotshots lost center Ian Sangalang the entirety of the second half due to back spasms, according to coach Chito Victolero. The 6-foot-7 lefty only mustered five points on three shots and a rebound in over 10 minutes.
Game Two of the best-of-seven series is on Friday, October 22, at 6:00 p.m.
The Scores:
TNT 88 – M. Williams 21, Erram 14, K. Williams 10, Rosario 8, Pogoy 7, Montalbo 7, Mendoza 6, Khobuntin 5, Marcelo 4, Reyes 3, Alejandro 2, Castro 1, Exciminiano 0, Javier 0.
Magnolia 70 – Lee 12, Corpuz 12, Abueva 11, Dela Rosa 7, Sangalang 5, Ahanmisi 5, Barroca 4, De Leon 4, Capobres 4, Jalalon 3, Pascual 2, Brill 1, Melton 0, Reavis 0, Dionisio 0.
Quarterscores: 24-14, 53-34, 74-48, 88-70.
