Kelly Williams saves the day as TNT completes reversal of Magnolia
At A Glance
- Kelly Williams showed nerves of steel and coolly sank two pressure-packed free throws in the waning seconds as TNT completed the quarterfinals upset of the twice-to-beat Magnolia, 80-79, in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Saturday, June 21.
Kelly Williams steps up for TNT in the pivotal moments. (PBA Images)
Never doubt the heart of a champion, all the more one from a seasoned veteran like Kelly Williams.
The 43-year-old forward showed nerves of steel and coolly sank two pressure-packed free throws in the waning seconds as TNT completed a quarterfinals upset of the twice-to-beat Magnolia, 80-79, in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Saturday, June 21.
Williams saved the day for the Tropang 5G by collaring a rebound off a Jordan Heading miss from the four and then getting sent to the foul line with 2.7 seconds left in the game.
A career 56-percent free throw shooter, Williams cashed in the first and then rattled the second to put TNT up by one before Calvin Oftana had the game-preserving tap on the inbound pass of Magnolia as the shot clock expired.
TNT not only overcame a twice-to-win disadvantage behind another nail-biter of a victory but also kept its Grand Slam bid alive by securing a spot in the semifinals either against Rain or Shine or NLEX.
The big free throws from Williams also preserved the effort of RR Pogoy, who fired 18 points including a crucial undergoal stab that put TNT ahead, 79-78, in the waning seconds.
Ian Sangalang replied with a layup to get the lead back but the Hotshots failed to clear the rebound in the final TNT possession.
Pogoy added seven rebounds and five assists to his name while Oftana shared the scoring honors with him with 18 points to go with seven rebounds.
Williams, for his part finished with a double-double effort of 10 points and 10 rebounds while Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser chipped in 12 points.