The TNT Tropang Giga stood their ground and clipped the Magnolia Timplados Hotshots in the fourth quarter for a 98-93 triumph to earn the fourth quarterfinals’ seat in the 48th Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup on Sunday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Kelly Williams and four others banged in double-digit outputs to help carry the Tropang Giga to their fifth win in 10 games.
Williams eked out 19 points for TNT, which arranged a best-of-three quarterfinal clash with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
The Tropang Giga, with Jayson Castro knocking 18 points, got challenged in the last period when the Hotshots fought their way out of a 67-80 deficit at the start of the quarter.
“The effort of the players came after a painful loss in their last game. They came out with a lot of courage,” said TNT coach Chot Reyes.
Andy Barroca led with 22 points for Magnolia, whose 6-5 slate and setback to the Tropang Giga dropped them out fourth place and put them in sixth.
Barroca shot 10 points in the last period and his efforts saw Magnolia staying within range, 83-89, with 3:26 remaining.
Castro then bailed TNT out of trouble, with his two charities and driving layup in the final 2:13 giving them a 10-point cushion.
TNT is coming off a 103-107 loss to Converge last Wednesday.
Castro’s triple with two ticks to go in the third allowed the Tropang Giga to enjoy a 15-point, 80-65, going into the fourth canto.