Clutch Kelly: Williams keeps Grand Slam bid alive as TNT outlasts Magnolia

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Kelly Williams knocks down the game-winning free throws as TNT overcomes a twice-to-win disadvantage against Magnolia to reach the semifinals and stay on track of its Grand Slam quest

MANILA, Philippines – With TNT’s Grand Slam bid on the line, it turned to its most senior player to stay alive.

The Tropang Giga advanced to the semifinals of the PBA Philippine Cup by the skin of their teeth as Kelly Williams sank the game-winning free throws against Magnolia, 80-79, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Saturday, June 21.

Williams, 43, drained the go-ahead foul shots with 2.7 seconds left to finish with 10 points and 10 rebounds, keeping TNT on track of its quest of becoming just the fifth team in league history to win all three conferences in a season.

Tropang Giga head coach Chot Reyes breathed a huge sigh of relief as TNT overcame not just a twice-to-win disadvantage but also a depleted roster, with guards Rey Nambatac and Brian Heruela out with injuries.

“We’re lucky Kelly made those two free throws. If it went to overtime, I don’t know if we could have lasted an extra five minutes,” said Reyes.

“The spirit of the players, their unwillingness to give up, those were the key here.”

Roger Pogoy showed the way for the Tropang Giga with 18 points on top of 7 rebounds and 5 assists in a game that saw him become the 101st member of the 5,000-point club.

Calvin Oftana also finished with 18 points to go with 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals as he also came up clutch in the endgame, intercepting the ball to deny the Hotshots a crack at the victory.

The Scores

TNT 80 – Oftana 18, Pogoy 18, Ganuelas-Rosser 12, Williams 10, Enciso 7, Erram 4, Khobuntin 4, Heading 3, Nieto 2, Aurin 0, Vosotros 0.

Magnolia 79 – Lucero 15, Sangalang 14, Lastimosa 13, Dionsio 12, Dela Rosa 9, Barroca 8, Lee 4, Navarro 4, Reavis 0, Alfaro 0, Laput 0.

Quarters: 18-15, 41-33, 63-56, 80-79.

– Rappler.com