TNT nears PBA PH Cup Finals return after rout of Magnolia

Poy Erram helped TNT send Magnolia to the brink of elimination. Dennis Acosta

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—TNT moved to within a win from making a comeback to the PBA Philippine Cup Finals after downing Magnolia, 102-84, in Game 4 of their semifinal series on Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

With the win, the Tropang Giga now hold a commanding 3-1 lead in their best-of-seven series against the Hotshots, the same situation the former was in four games into their Philippine Cup Finals clash last year in Bacolor.

TNT pulled away from Magnolia in the second half, holding the Purefoods franchise to just 16 third quarter points before erupting for 32 in the final frame.

Poy Erram led the Tropang Giga, who can close out the series on Friday, with 19 points, 13 rebounds, one assist, and one block off the bench.

RR Pogoy added 18 points, two rebounds, two assists, and one steal.

Ian Sangalang made 19 markers, three rebounds, one dime, and one steal for the Hotshots.

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