TNT emerged victorious in its first game with new import Aaron Fuller, escaping with a 95-92 win over Rain or Shine on Sunday in the 2021 PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
The Tropang Giga became the first team to replace an import when they brought in Aaron Fuller for McKenzie Moore, but it was Fil-Am rookie Mikey Williams who supplied import-like numbers with his 25 points.
Fuller double-double
Fuller gave a good account of himself in his TNT debut, finishing with 13 points and 10 rebounds as the Tropang Giga closed out a successful 2021 crowned by a Philippine Cup title by improving to an even 2-2 (win-loss) card.
To secure the victory, TNT had to overcome a 15-point first-quarter deficit and a Rey Nambatac and Henry Walker-fueled Rain or Shine comeback that fell just short.
Back-to-back three-pointers by Nambatac and Walker cut TNT's lead to one, 93-92, in the endgame, but the Tropang Giga heaved a sigh of relief when the RoS import missed a wide-open three-point attempt in the final seconds.
A rebound and two free throws by Poy Erram settled the final score.
TNT coach Chot Reyes emphasized the need for agility in the team especially with a new import coming in and seeing the squad for the very first time.
“Coming into this ballgame, that was exactly what was on our mind. We have to be very agile and very flexible to adjust on the fly,” said Reyes.
Williams showed consistency on offense throughout the game, scoring six in the first period to help TNT cut Rain or Shine's lead to 27-21 at the end of the quarter, and pouring in 14 in the second half.
A free throw by Williams put TNT ahead, 93-81, but the Tropang Giga failed to score again until that late free throws by Erram.
Walker scored a game-high 32 points including a three-pointer that began the Rain or Shine comeback. He scored eight of the team’s final 11 unanswered points.
Roger Pogoy scored 18 points while Erram had 15 points and nine rebounds for TNT. Jayson Castro scored 11 and drilled a buzzer-beating three to close the first period after the Tropang Giga trailed, 24-9, to start off the contest.
The scores:
TNT 95 – M. Williams 25, Pogoy 18, Erram 15, Fuller 13, Reyes 11, Castro 11, K. Williams 2, Exciminiano 0, Khobuntin 0, Heruela 0, Alejandro 0, Marcelo 0, Banal 0.
Rain or Shine 92 – Walker 32, Mocon 13, Ponferada 12, Belga 11, Nambatac 9, Norwood 6, Asistio 5, Santillan 3, Caracut 1, Jackson 0, Wong 0, Borboran 0, Torres 0.
Quarters: 21-27; 44-47; 77-65; 95-92.
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