RR Pogoy puts on rare explosion as TNT cripples NorthPort for 1st win

RR Pogoy had a historic explosive start for the Tropang Giga. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASIG--RR Pogoy came alive early on to lift TNT to a 117-93 win over NorthPort for its first win in the PBA Commissioner's Cup on Saturday night at the PhilSports Arena.

Three nights following a frustrating loss to the Magnolia Hotshots to open their campaign, the Tropang Giga vented their ire on the Batang Pier with Pogoy leading the charge.

Pogoy opened the game with 10 straight field goals in the first half, the best start by a local in league history, and another early in the third quarter.

He even outscored the entire NorthPort squad in the second quarter as he exploded for 21 points in the said period compared to the team's 20 as TNT opened a 58-44 lead at halftime.

Mikey Williams, who is making his conference debut, and Cam Oliver then took over in the third as they combined for 19 of the Tropang Giga's 29 points in the said quarter even as they held the Batang Pier to just 18 to essentially seal the win.

Pogoy finished 12-for-14 from the field for 32 points alongside three rebounds, one assist, and one steal for TNT, which moved up to 1-1.

Oliver added 20 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, one block, and one steal.

Arvin Tolentino put up 19 points, four rebounds, and two steals, while Prince Ibeh added 18 points, 12 rebounds, two blocks, and one steal for NorthPort, which fell to 2-2.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno