Roger Pogoy had scoring explosion in the TNT Tropang Giga's 104-83 annihilation of the Alaska Aces in the quarterfinals of the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup on Saturday evening at the AUF Sports Arena and Cultural Center.
Pogoy, who notched a career-high 45 points against the same team on the first day of bubble play, dropped 34 points on 9/15 shooting, and added 8 rebounds for the third-seeded Tropang Giga.
"We're thankful that RR showed up tonight. Not only on offense but as a team, they really played hard defense against Alaska, and we hope that he'll continue his contributions in our upcoming games," said TNT head coach Bong Ravena.
TNT dropped the hammer in a fateful third quarter, outscoring their opponents 33-15 in the period to turn a 51-all deadlock at halftime to a very comfortable 84-66 lead to start the fourth quarter. The third-seeded team remained locked in the final chapter, increasing their lead to as large as 26 points, 101-75, in the late stages of the payoff period.
Alaska guard Abel Galliguez suffered a brutal gash over his left eyebrow after colliding with Parks at the 9:47 mark of the fourth quarter. When he contested Parks' strong drive, he lost his balance and hit his face hard on the floor. He bled profusely, and was immediately attended to by medical personnel. He was stretchered off the court and was immediately rushed to The Medical City Clark, which is part of the PBA bubble, for further treatment.
In the first quarter, TNT immediately raced to a 21-10 lead after a layup by David Semerad with 3:10 left in the period. Alaska, however, erased the deficit in the second quarter and saw their biggest lead balloon to 11, 47-36, after a push shot by Vic Manuel. After Manuel's basket, it all went downhill for Alaska, as TNT found its mark and ventured on a 9-0 run to close the first half.
Bobby Ray Parks, Jr. added 20 points, built on four triples, hauled in 5 boards, and dished out 5 assists. Poy Erram had 9 markers and 11 rebounds.
Alaska was led by Jeron Teng's 13 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. Maverick Ahanmisi and Vic Manuel chipped in 12 apiece for the Aces.
THE SCORES
TNT (104) -- Pogoy 34, Parks 20, Rosario 10, Erram 9, Castro 8, Enciso 6, Semerad 4, Washington 4, Alejandro 3, Carey 2, Reyes 2, Montalbo 2, De Leon 0, Vosotros 0, Flores 0.
Alaska (83) -- Teng 13, Ahanmisi 12, Manuel 12, Hernon 11, Brondial 9, Ayaay 8, Tratter 6, DiGregorio 4, Ebona 4, Marcelino 2, Casio 2, Galliguez 0, Publico 0, Andrada 0, Racal 0.
Quarter Scores: 28-23, 51-51, 84-66, 104-83.
EXTRA DRIBBLES
- Alaska coughed up the ball 22 times, which TNT turned into 29 points.
- TNT will face the winner of the Phoenix-Magnolia series on Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 3:45 p.m.