TNT capitalized on the absence of Matthew Wright to escape Phoenix, 95-92, and draw first blood in their PBA Philippine Cup semifinals duel at the Angeles University Foundation in Pampanga on Wednesday, November 18.

Jayson Castro delivered 20 points and hit timely buckets down the stretch as the Tropang Giga needed every bit of his clutch plays despite the Fuel Masters missing star guard Wright.

Wright, the league leader in statistical points after the elimination round, saw action for only a shade under 7 minutes and never returned after hurting his right ankle in the opening quarter.

Still, Phoenix displayed steely resolve even without its best player on the court, erasing a 12-point deficit and giving TNT a run for its own money.

The Tropang Giga, though, banked on Castro to pull through as the veteran guard scored 7 of their last 8 points, including the free throws that settled the score.

Castro – who also finished with 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals – scored a triple and a putback layup to give his side a 92-88 lead before the Fuel Masters narrowed the gap to a whisker behind an RJ Jazul triple.

Simon Enciso splitting his free throws left the comeback doors wide open for Phoenix, but it failed to tie the game as Jason Perkins muffed one of his two foul shots.

Castro then coolly sank his free throws with 5 ticks remaining for the three-point gap.

Ray Parks chalked up 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 steals in the win, Roger Pogoy had 16 points and 9 rebounds, while Poy Erram frolicked inside the paint with 15 points, 14 rebounds, and 2 blocks.

Ryan Reyes added 11 points for TNT.

“We knew they were not going to give up, that they were going to stay in the game because they’re not going to run out of energy,” said Tropang Giga coach Bong Ravena. “So we just played our game, especially on defense.”

Jazul led the way for the Fuel Masters with 21 points off the bench, while Perkins put up 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Calvin Abueva churned out 13 points and 9 rebounds in only 21 minutes for Phoenix as he battled foul trouble, picking up his fifth foul with almost the entire second half left to play.

The Scores

TNT 95 – Castro 20, Parks 17, Pogoy 16, Erram 15, Reyes 11, Montalbo 6, Rosario 5, Enciso 4, Carey 1, Washington 0.

Phoenix 92 – Jazul 21, Perkins 15, Abueva 13, Mallari 13, Garcia 12, Heruela 6, Chua 3, Intal 3, Rios 2, Wright 2, Marcelo 2, Reyes 0, Napoles 0.

Quarters: 16-24, 36-37, 67-61, 95-92.

– Rappler.com