The PBA finally resumed the 2020 Philippine Cup and they kicked off with a thrilling battle between the Alaska Aces and TNT Giga. Roger Pogoy came out with a 45-point outing to lift his team for the victory, 100-95.
The Aces had a great start as they show no rust from the long layoff shooting 55% from the field with four different players scoring five points each. Giga finds themselves down by 15 points heading to the second quarter, 15-30.
Roger Pogoy came alive as he fired up his first 21 points all in the second quarter bringing TNT back in the game and tying the score at 48-all.
Alaska still went on with their balanced attack with different scorers to counter Pogoy’s continuous surge to find themselves leading by just a point heading to the final period.
TNT continues to ride on the Pogoy’s hot hand as they mounted an 18-10 run to lead by seven points midway the fourth period.
Tied at 92-all in the final two minutes, Ryan Reyes came in to break the tie hitting 1-of-2 free throws. On the other end, Vic Manuel took a foul from Lervin Flores and missed both free throws.
Castro went on running to the other end drawing a foul and pushing the lead to three a pair of his own.
Abu Tratter inched in with a strong move in the paint but failed to convert the and-one. Castro went to work once again driving to the lane and this time making the hard layup bringing back the lead to three with 27 seconds left.
A turnover by Jayvee Casio brought the ball back to TNT’s hands. Robbie Herndon fouls Castro and made two more free throws as Alaska held on to secure the win.
Along with the 45 points, Pogoy also had eight rebounds, three steals, two assists and dropped ten three-pointers. Jayson Castro followed through in the clutch and finished with 28 points, five rebounds, three steals and two assists.
On his TNT debut, Poy Erram tallied 4 points, eight rebounds and six assists.
Alaska had Abu Tratter leading them in scoring with 17 points while Robbie Herndon and Mike DiGregorio each contributed with 16. Vic Manuel had a commendable night with 15 points, five boards and two assists.
Ray Parks didn’t play in this game due to a calf strain but will be available in their next game.
TNT Giga will try to ride the opening day momentum and face Terra Firma Dyip on Tuesday, October 13 while the Alaska Aces will have a chance to bounce back against the Meralco Bolts on Wednesday, October 14.
The Scores:
TNT (100) – Pogoy 45, Castro 28, Rosario 9, De Leon 4, Erram 4, Semerad 4, Carey 2, Enciso 2, Reyes 2, Flores 0, Montalbo 0, Vosotros 0.
Alaska (95) – Tratter 17, DiGregorio 16, Herndon 16, Manuel 15, Racal 8, Brondial 5, Marcelino 5, Ebona 4, Teng 3, Casio 2, Aya-ay 2, Andrada 0, Galiguez 0.
Quarterscores: 15-30, 48-48, 71-72, 100-95.
