PBA: RR Pogoy drops 30, makes crucial stop as TNT keeps grand slam hopes alive with QF Game 1 win vs Magnolia

RR Pogoy showed why he is one of the PBA's top two-way players in TNT's do-or-die quarterfinal against Magnolia. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--RR Pogoy delivered a two-way masterpiece to keep TNT in contention for the PBA Season 49 grand slam as the team beat Magnolia, 89-88, in their Philippine Cup quarterfinal game on Wednesday night at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

Pogoy fired 30 points on 13-of-23 shooting to lead the Tropang 5G to the breaking of the Hotshots' twice-to-beat edge.

However, none was more important than a crucial defensive gem in which he partially stripped Zav Lucero of the ball while taking the supposed buzzer-beater that could have won it for Magnolia.

Pogoy also had two rebounds, one assist, and one steal for TNT as another game will be played on Saturday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium to determine who wins the quarterfinal series.

Calvin Oftana added 21 points, 16 rebounds, five assists, and three steals.

Paul Lee put up 15 points including a deep four that tied the game up at 88-all, one rebound, three assists, and one steal for Magnolia.

However, William Navarro fouled Kelly Williams while trying to grab the rebound off Oftana's miss, and Williams split his charities to give the Tropang 5G the lead.

Aware that they had a foul to give, Glenn Khobuntin fouled Mark Barroca while rushing to his basket with 2.9 seconds left, giving them a chance to regroup defensively that eventually led to Pogoy denying Lucero the game-winner for the Hotshots.

Follow him on X: @IvanSaldajeno