Roger Ray Pogoy poured in 28 points to lead the TNT Tropang 5G past the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 98-91, in Game 1 of their Semi-Finals series on Wednesday, June 25, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Aside from his 28 markers, the sharpshooting guard also grabbed two rebounds and dished out four assists while playing a game-high 36 minutes to anchor TNT’s victory.
Hurling every insult imaginable from fans and netizens following a series of setbacks in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals, Poy Erram responded with a performance that pushed the series to where it should be—the ‘winner takes all’ Game 7 on Friday, March 28, 2025.
Erram had his own big moments, especially last night, curiously after his verbal spat with coach Chot Reyes in the previous game. He scored 10 of his 14 points in the fourth quarter, complementing his hustle plays with crucial contributions—none bigger than a ball tap that allowed TNT to retain possession following missed free throws by their import.
Erram’s effort on both ends provided support for the standout performances of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Rey Nambatac as TNT played spoiler, securing an 87-83 win that denied Barangay Ginebra an early championship celebration.
The 35-year-old Cagayan de Oro native was also instrumental in building TNT’s lead, which began when Nambatac drained a four-point play at the end of the third quarter to put TNT ahead, 63-62. Erram then added 10 points in the fourth, including a crucial corner three-pointer that extended the Tropang Giga’s lead to 70-62.
After the game, the former Ateneo Blue Eagle center was pulled aside for an on-court interview, where initial boos from the crowd were eventually drowned out by cheers from TNT fans.
"Now I’m seeking help. I can’t just say, ‘Oh, I’m a man, I don’t need help.’ I do need help," said Erram.
He opened up about the off-court struggles he has been facing during the PBA Finals, admitting that they have affected his performance throughout the series.
"I’m not gonna sugarcoat it—I’ve been a distraction to the team. Some might say I’m just making excuses, but since my father passed away, I’ve been in a tough place. So I’m seeking help, not just for the team, but also for my family and my job," Erram added.
Now, Erram acknowledges the need to address the personal struggles that have contributed to his emotional outbursts—outbursts that have drawn both concern and criticism, depending on the perspective of observers.
In Game 5, much of the audience witnessed Erram engage in a heated argument with Reyes, who was frustrated with the big man’s reaction to a miscue during a timeout huddle.
Meanwhile, in TNT’s Game 2 loss, Erram was seen kicking team equipment on his way back to the locker room, venting his frustration at MOA Arena.
TNT head coach Chot Reyes has since advised Erram to block out distractions and keep his focus on the game.
"We just told him to focus and shut off the noise," said Reyes.
TNT Tropang Giga was unable to hold on to the tight defense of Northport Batang Pier, which won its fourth straight game, 100-95, on Sunday night at the Ynares Center, Antipolo City.
However, TNT managed to cut the lead to 97-95 with 1:43 left on the game clock when Rondae Hollis-Jefferson made a free throw, but Joshua Munzon successfully converted his three-point shot to keep the Batang Pier from losing the lead.
“I just take that shcot with confidence. The play wasn't even for me but [my teammates] found me. I was open and I was happy that I made that shot. I was confident in myself. Every time I shoot the ball, I think it's going in," said Munzon.
Northport Batang Pier assistant coach Renzy Bajar said the key to their win was their strong defense against TNT.
The Batang Pier also took advantage of the suspension of big man Poy Erram, who was penalized for hitting Glenn Yang in TNT’s conference-opening loss to Hong Kong Eastern this weekend.
