Magnolia falls to TNT in PBA Finals opener

Mikey Williams posted a double-double performance as TNT drew first blood in the PBA Finals after conquering Magnolia, 88-70, Wednesday night at the Don Honorio Ventura State University in Bacolor, Pampanga.

The 4th overall pick of the 2021 PBA Draft finished with 21 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals.

JP Erram registered 14 points points on 6-of-9 shooting to go along with 7 rebounds and 3 blocks while Kelly Williams racked up 10 markers, 6 boards and 3 dimes. RR Pogoy and Kib Montalbo added 6 points apiece.

The Tropang Giga had a strong start and led by as many as 32 points in the lopsided contest.

“Yeah, our entire objective coming in was to make sure that we execute our game plan both offensive and defensively of course. And I thought the most important thing was to match their effort,” said TNT coach Chot Reyes.

“Magnolia really comes out and plays with a lot of effort. So we focus our attention on making sure that we are able to match their energy and their effort. And I thought we were able to do that,” he added.

The Hotshots outscored the 7-time PBA Champs in the 4th quarter but it wasn’t enough to overhaul an enormous advantage of the flagship franchise of the MVP group.

Paul Lee and Jackson Corpuz each scored 12 points for the Chito Victolero-mentored squad while Calvin Abueva tallied 11 points and 11 rebounds. Rome Dela Rosa contributed 7 points on 50% shooting from the field.

The scores :

TNT 88 – M. Williams 21, Erram 14, K. Williams 10, Rosario 8, Pogoy 7, Montalbo 7, Mendoza 6, Khobuntin 5, Marcelo 4, Reyes 3, Alejandro 2, Castro 1, Heruela 0, Exciminiano 0, Javier 0.

Magnolia 70 – Lee 12, Corpuz 12, Abueva 11, Dela Rosa 7, Sangalang 5, Ahanmisi 5, Barroca 4, Capobres 4, De Leon 4, Jalalon 3, Pascual 2, Brill 1, Reavis 0, Dionisio 0, Melton 0.

Quarterscores : 24-14, 53-34, 74-48, 88-70.