Erram sets tone as TNT moves on cusp of Finals return with rout of Meralco
At A Glance
- JP Erram shone with a rare offensive display as TNT moved on cusp of Finals return with a 102-83 victory over Meralco in Game 4 of their semifinals series in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, Jan. 11.
JP Erram shone with a rare offensive display as TNT moved on cusp of a Finals return with a 102-83 victory over Meralco in Game 4 of their semifinals series in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, Jan. 11.
Averaging just 2.0 points through five games this conference, Erram set the tone in the first half before the rest of the Tropang 5G followed suit to come away with the crucial win and the commanding 3-1 lead in the race to four affair.
The 6-foot-8 center flexed his muscles and led the charge with 21 points on an 8-of-8 shooting in the first two quarters. He finished with 27 points on top of nine rebounds and three blocks.
After being held scoreless last time out, Jordan Heading bounced back with 15 points, eight rebounds and three assists while Calvin Oftana chipped in 14 points, five rebounds and five assists.
While Erram had been playing well through the first two quarters, it was only in the third frame that TNT really pulled away when it went on a 21-6 run to turn a slim 47-42 lead into a huge 68-48 advantage.
The Tropang 5G led by as many as 24 points as they pounced on the absence of Chris Newsome who was ruled out of the contest after sustaining an MCL injury in Game 3.