The TNT Tropang Giga turned to their veteran locals to pull off an 81-77 win over the Alaska Aces in the 2021 PBA Governors’ Cup on Friday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
With TNT head coach Chot Reyes electing to sit down import McKenzie Moore in crunchtime, the Tropang Giga turned to crafty guard Jayson Castro who delivered five straight points to help them take an 80-75 lead with just 1:15 remaining after trailing by as much as 11 points, 44-55.
Castro finished with 20 points, six assists, five rebounds and three steals to help TNT bounce back after opening this tournament with a loss to NLEX. Moore, who shot poorly in the game, had just 13 markers.
Glenn Khobuntin added 16 points off the bench while Mikey Williams chipped in 12.
Oluseyi Ashaolu had a monster double-double of 29 points and 18 rebounds but committed eight turnovers. Jeron Teng added 13 points, six boards and four assists but it was not enough to keep Alaska from falling to 2-2.
