By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The TNT Tropang Giga pulled off their biggest win of the season so far after scoring a massive comeback win over the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 108-101, in the ongoing PBA Philippine Cup on April 24, 2024, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
TNT trailed by as much as 23 points in the first half of the game and banked on a majestic second half to turn the tables around.
Phoenix looked to blow the game wide-open when it built a commanding double-digit lead in the first two quarters courtesy of their efficient shooting from outside the arch.
Despite any defensive adjustments thrown by TNT head coach Chot Reyes, the Fuel Masters were still able to sink most of their shots to clinch the momentum before the final 24 minutes of the game kicked off.
Just when Phoenix thought they could sustain their pace and dictate the tempo when the third quarter began, the trio of Kelly Williams, RR Pogoy, and Calvin Oftana answered the call for the Tropang Giga and hosted a massive scoring turnaround.
Pogoy spearheaded TNT’s resurgence after hitting several buckets from the post while Oftana trimmed it to single digits after draining a trey.
When Phoenix called timeout with hopes of breaking its skid in the third, it was Williams who disrupted their plans after going berserk, giving TNT back the advantage with his two-way efficiency.
From a 42-62 disadvantage, TNT suddenly came back and hopped on the driver’s seat, 84-81, and completely shocked the Fuel Masters for the remainder of the game.
After that insane run, Phoenix didn’t recover and allowed the Tropang Giga to take control of the ball game and run away with the momentum-boosting win.
Pogoy led the TNT rampage with 23 points and eight rebounds while Oftana contributed 19 markers and nine rebounds.
Meanwhile, veteran big man Williams turned back the hands of time and chipped in 17 points and 13 rebounds for another double-double stat line.
