Mikey Williams took time to have fun but still came up with 31 points as he led the Talk N Text Tropang Giga to a 108-75 smothering of the Terrafirma Dyip on Friday in the 2022 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The 30-year-old Filipino-American cager from Los Angeles, California struck with 12 points as the Tropang Giga took a 31-14 lead in the first period, en route to their seventh win in nine games.
The 6’2” Williams then was held to two points in the second period as Dyip put up a fight and came close, 48-49, at halftime.
But Williams added another 11 points as the Tropang Giga bounced back in the third period with another 17-point spread at the end of the quarter, 84-67.
“Today’s win is a little more relaxing, less pressure on our backs. We need a game like this,” said Williams.
JP Erram knocked in 18 points for the Tropang Giga, with his two big baskets during an 11-0 run in the third period allowing TNT to move away, 76-58, in the 3:20 mark.
Erram’s triple in the final 4:29 later saw the Tropang Giga enjoying a 33-point spread, 108-75.
“We were businesslike after halftime. We knew that this is a tough team,” said TNT coach Chot Reyes.
RR Pogoy drilled in 15 points for the Tropang Giga as he shot seven points in the third canto, with his layup in the remaining 7:44, sending TNT ahead, 61-57.
Javi Gomez de Liano sank 12 for Terrafirma, including a layup and charity in the final 1:32 of the second period, helping the Dyip move close, 42-47.