KELLY Williams dished out what's easily his best game thus far in his comeback, playing big as TNT preserved its unblemished card with an 83-76 win over Magnolia in a low-scoring duel in the PBA Philippine Cup at the DHVSU Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga Sunday.
Averaging merely 5.0 points and 6.8 rebounds in their previous outings, Williams asserted himself a lot harder in this game and came through with 15 boards and 13 markers, including two big three-pointers in the fourth quarter.
Jayson Castro and Poy Erram joined Williams in a spree from the arc in the payoff period as the Tropang Giga warded off the Hotshots to notch a sixth straight win.
"We know they're a hard-pressing team with a lot of active guards who are aggressive and skilled. We know we have our hands full coming in and we want to be sure to focus on being smart with the ball," said Williams.
They did just that, outsmarting and outplaying the Hotshots whom they dealt a second loss in three outings in the Bacolor play.
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Overall, Magnolia dropped to joint second with Meralco at 5-2.
Williams, a one-time league MVP awardee, went 3-of-3 from the arc to highlight his best game in his return from retirement.
"It feels good feeling like myself again. It's been a while. It's been a while that I've been so excited to play," said Williams, also lacing his superb game with three blocks and two steals.
Castro, Mikey Williams, RR Pogoy and Troy Rosario had their significant contributions as the Tropang Giga kept the lead in the race for the top two spots that reward a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals.
Castro fired 17 points, including two triples in the clutch while Williams, Pogoy and Rosario added at least 11 points apiece.
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Erram chipped in nine markers, including his own conversion from afar making it 81-72 entering the final minute of the game.
"We did a good job in playing our positions. Coach (Chot Reyes) put emphasis on making us accountable for our positions, the responsibilities and opportunities that we have. We played for each other," said Williams.(SB)
The scores:
TNT 83 - Castro 17, M. Williams 14, K. Williams 13, Pogoy 12, Rosario 11, Erram 9, Marcelo 4, Heruela 2, Reyes 1, Exciminiano 0, Khobuntin 0, Montalbo 0, Alejandro 0, Javier 0, Mendoza 0.
Magnolia 76 - Abueva 23, Lee 13, Sangalang 10, Barroca 10, Jalalon 9, Corpuz 5, Dela Rosa 4, Reavis 2, Brill 0, Melton 0, Ahanmisi 0, De Leon 0, Capobres 0, Pascual 0, Dionisio 0.
Quarters:15-15, 35-32, 59-52, 83-76
