Poy Erram led TNT's charge in overtime. PBA Images
Jayson Castro and Poy Erram orchestrated Talk 'N Text comeback to hack out an 89-85 win in overtime against Rain or Shine in the PBA Philippine Cup on Thursday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Castro poured 10 of his 12 points in the pivotal fourth quarter where he pulled the Tropang GIGA out of a 16-point deficit and forced the game into overtime.
Then Erram provided the finishing kick in the extra period, scoring 6 of his 13 points in overtime to complete TNT's comeback.
Mikey Williams scored 15 in his return to TNT, while Troy Rosario topscored the team with 19.
"The whole game, Rain or Shine gave us a problem, but I thought our defense held. It's just hard to defend the fast breaks. In the fourth quarter, we're able to take shots," said TNT coach Chot Reyes.
"The players never gave up. And as we're able to take shots, we gave ourselves a chance. We ground it out."
The Tropang GIGA, now with a 4-2 record, had to rely on strong defense to wear down the Elasto Painters who outscored them in the second and third period.
Castro found his footing in the fourth period, sparking a run with back-to-back triples.
He later completed a running layup that forced the game into 78-78 deadlock at the end of regulation.
The Tropang GIGA eventually denied the Elasto Painters, who fell to their fourth defeat in 5 games.
Mike Nieto scored 19 points for Rain or Shine, while Gian Mamuyac and Santi Santillan had 18 and 17, respectively.
The scores:
TNT 89 - Rosario 19, M.Williams 15, Erram 13, Pogoy 12, Castro 12, Khobuntin 5, K.Williams 4, Alejandro 4, Tungcab 3, Cruz 2, Marcelo 0, Heruela 0, Ganuelas-Rosser 0, Banal 0.
Rain or Shine 85 - Nieto 19, Mamuyac 18, Santillan 17, Nambatac 16, Torres 6, Belga 5, Norwood 2, Demusis 2, Caracut 0, Borboran 0.
Quarters: 20-17, 37-40, 51-62, 78-78, 89-85