PBA: Clutch free throws, game-saving stop keep TNT's grand slam hopes alive anew as Magnolia ousted

RR Pogoy led TNT's charge again as they completed the twice-to-win mission to enter the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

QUEZON CITY--Another clutch free throw and game-saving defensive gem benefited TNT in the end again as the sixth-seeded club completed the two-win necessity to eliminate third-seeded Magnolia from the PBA Philippine Cup playoffs with an 80-79 quarterfinal Game 2 win on Saturday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

Once more, Kelly Williams showed that he can still be efficient from the free throw line as he hit the game-winning free throws off a Rafi Reavis foul while trying to disrupt his putback off a Jordan Heading missed four with 2.7 seconds left.

The Hotshots decided to rest their laurels on Ian Sangalang, who earlier scored a go-ahead for a 79-78 lead with 5.8 seconds to play.

However, Calvin Oftana picked Rome Dela Rosa's inbound pass intended for Sangalang as the Tropang 5G escaped.

Oftana and RR Pogoy each scored 18 points, while Williams added 10 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, one block, and one steal for TNT, which kept its grand slam hopes alive by clinching the third spot in next week's semifinals.

Zav Lucero put up 15 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and one steal for Magnolia, which once again fell short of its title aspirations despite the strong start as it lost five of its last seven games after a 6-0 start.

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