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| Jayson Castro's near flawless performance led the Tropang Giga to a crucial 3-2 semis lead. PBA Images |
MANILA—TNT took a big step closer to the PBA Philippine Cup finals after getting a 110-90 victory over San Miguel in Game 5 of their semis match-up on Wednesday night at the Don Honorio Ventura State University in Bacolor, Pampanga.
With Kelly William back in action and Poy Erram, who was a game-time decision prior to the match, still getting to play albeit with a face mask on, the Tropang Giga surged over the Beermen, quickly opening a 28-9 lead en route to a 61-35 lead at the half.
Although SMB slightly bounced back and cut the lead down to 14, 94-80, TNT took control of the endgame as an RR Pogoy triple helped seal the team's pivotal 3-2 series lead.
Jayson Castro fired 19 points, three rebounds, eight assists, and one steal off the bench to lead six Tropang Giga in double figures in terms of scoring.
Pogoy and Mikey Williams each added 18 points, while Williams tallied 12 markers, three boards, three dimes, one block, and one steal in his return game as their team can clinch a spot in the finals on Friday.
June Mar Fajardo made a game-high 23 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, and one block for the Beermen, who need to take Game 6 to force a Game 7 on Sunday night.
With a report from Ivan Saldajeno
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