TNT Tropang GIGA shrugged off a slow start to overcome NorthPort in the PBA Philippine Cup Wednesday at the Don Honorio Ventura State University Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.

The Texters were down by double digits in the first two quarters, but Mikey Williams and Kib Montalbo hit their long-range jumpers to lead TNT to a 102-92 win.

With the victory, the Tropang GIGA remained on top of the standings with a 9-1 record and gained a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.

Prized rookie Williams finished with 29 points including five treys, while Montalbo set a career-high 22 markers on four triples.

Troy Rosario and Kelly Williams added 18 and 11, respectively to ruin coach Pido Jarencio's return to NorthPort.

The Batang Pier, led by Paolo Taha with 20 points, had to play minus Greg Slaughter and Sean Anthony in the contest.

The Texters played catch up in the second quarter with a 20-5 run that gave them a slim 42-41 lead at the half.

But TNT continued their assault in the second half and never looked back.

Robert Bolick managed to finish with 12 points and 11 assists for the Batang Pier, who saw their three-game streak end. NorthPort fell to a 4-4 win-loss card.

The scores :

TNT 102 – , M. Williams 29, Montalbo 22, Rosario 18, K. Williams 11, Castro 9, Reyes 6, Heruela 4, Pogoy 3, Erram 0, Marcelo 0, Mendoza 0, Alejandro 0

NORTHPORT 92 – Taha 20, Ferrer 17, Malonzo 15, Bolick 12, Grey 10, Onwubere 8, Balanza 4, Lanete 4, Elorde 1, Rike 0

Quarters : 19-22, 42-41, 76-64, 102-92