TALK N Text survived a gallant stand by NorthPort to eke out a 102-92 win and clinch a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup at the Don Honorio Ventura State University in Bacolor, Pampanga.

Rookie Mikey Williams scattered 29 points on 10-of-19 shooting while Kib Montalbo added a career-high 22 points, five rebounds and three steals to lead the Tropang Giga to their ninth win in 10 outings.

Troy Rosario contributed 18 points, and Kelly Williams had 11 points for the Tropang Giga, who spoiled the return of NorthPort coach Pido Jarencio and his coaching staff.

Robert Bolick, who was named as PBA Press Corps “Player of the Week”, was held to only 12 points on 3-of-16 shooting as NorthPort saw its three-game winning streak come to an end.

Paolo Taha carried the fight for NorthPort with 20 markers

In the second game, Barangay Ginebra rallied from a huge 29-point deficit to beat Phoenix Super LPG, 94-87, and keep its playoff hopes ailve with its fourth win in nine matches.

Stanley Pringle erupted with a team-high 31 points, while LA Tenorio added 23 points that included six triples as the Gin Kings erased a 19-point deficit early in the game and snapped a two-game losing skid.

The last of Tenorio’s six triples sealed the win for Ginebra, which played minus Japeth Aguilar.

The Batang Pier dropped to an even 4-4 record.

Meanwhile, Meralco hopes to continue its winning ways after a long layoff when it battles Terrafirma at 2 p.m. today.

At 6-2, the Bolts have the inside track for the No. 2 spot and a twice-to-beat advantage over a lower-ranked opponent in the quarterfinal round.

But the Bolts, who dropped a 76-91 decision to Talk N Text in their previous game last Sept.3 before taking a break due to the league’s health and safety protocols, will be facing a Terrafirma team hard- pressed to win a game and keep its hopes of advancing to the next stage alive.

The Dyip are expected to get a boost with the return of Andreas Cahilig, who has recovered from a sprained ankle injury in their 84-96 loss to Phoenix last week.

In the 4:35 p.m. second game, NLEX Road Warriors try to recover lost ground when they tackle Blackwater.

The Road Warriors have lost three straight games to Magnolia, Talk N Text and NorthPort and now find themselves fighting for playoff lives at 4-5 overall.

The scores:

First game
TNT (102) –M. Williams 29, Montalbo 22, Rosario 18, K. Williams 11, Castro 9, Reyes 6, Heruela 4, Pogoy 3, Erram 0, Marcelo 0, Mendoza 0, Alejandro 0
NorthPort (92)– Taha 20, Ferrer 17, Malonzo 15, Bolick 12, Grey 10, Onwubere 8, Balanza 4, Lanete 4, Elorde 1, Rike 0
Quarterscores: 19-22, 42-41, 76-64, 102-92.

Second game
Barangay Ginebra (94) – Pringle 31, Tenorio 23, Standhardinger 21, Thompson 12, Mariano 3, Dillinger 2, Tolentino 0, Caperal 0, Devance 0.
Phoenix Super LPG (87).– Perkins 30, Wright 18, Jazul 15, Chua 12, Calisaan 3, Melecio 3, Banchero 2, Pascual 2, Demusis 2, Manuel 0, Tamsi 0, Garcia 0, Muyang 0.
Quarterscores: 16-33; 46-52; 69-76; 94-87.