TNT pummels Magnolia in battle of top teams

Jayson Castro led the way for the now 6-0 Tropang Giga off the bench. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--TNT stretched its early domination in the PBA Philippine Cup by turning back Magnolia, 83-76, on Sunday night at the Don Honorio Ventura State University Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.

The Tropang Giga slowly but surely kept the Hotshots at bay for most of the game pitting the teams at the top of the standings.

TNT eventually sealed the win after Poy Erram converted on a stepback three-pointer and Ryan Reyes' free throw that upped the lead to 10 with 56 seconds remaining.

Jayson Castro put up 17 points, one rebound, four assists, and three steals off the bench to lead the Tropang Giga, who remain undefeated after six matches even as they moved closer to clinching an outright quarterfinal spot.

Mikey Williams added 14 points, two rebounds, five assists, and two steals, while Kelly Williams turned back time with a 13-point, 15-rebound, three-block, and two-steal performance.

Calvin Abueva made 23 markers, six boards, three dimes, one steal, and one block for the Hotshots, who fell to 5-2.

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