“Just try to stay aggressive”: Poy Erram happy to contribute as TNT take a 3-1 lead over Meralco

The TNT Tropang Giga moved one win away from securing a spot in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup Finals after dismantling the Meralco Bolts, 102-83, in Game 4 on Sunday, January 11, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The victory gave TNT a commanding 3–1 lead in the best-of-seven semifinal series.

Poy Erram delivered his strongest performance of the conference, anchoring TNT’s dominance with 27 points on an efficient 9-of-11 shooting, while also tallying nine rebounds and two assists. Jordan Heading and Calvin Oftana provided additional firepower with 15 and 14 points, respectively, helping the Tropang Giga seize control early and never look back.

For Erram, the standout performance marked a meaningful return to form following the knee injury that sidelined him in 2025. Now 36, the veteran center said he simply focused on staying aggressive.

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“Nangyari na lang siya. Ako, I just tried to stay aggressive. Luckily, na-shoot yung mga tira ko. Grabe rin yung tiwala sa akin ng teammates ko, and I just stayed ready,” Erram said in the post match press conference.

TNT’s Poy Erram and coach Chot Reyes after taking a 3-1 lead over Meralco. #PBA50 | @MeloFuertesINQ

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Despite recovering, Erram has seen limited action this conference, averaging just 6.2 minutes per game while playing behind Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, Kelly Williams, and Henry Galinato in the team’s rotation.

Still, the former Gilas Pilipinas big man remains committed to contributing in whatever way he can, especially with TNT missing key players Roger Pogoy (hamstring), Kelly Williams (illness), and Rey Nambatac (ankle).

“Kahit limited yung minuto ko, I make it a point na pinapanood ko yung film, then sinisigaw ko yung plays ng kalaban para alam ng teammates ko kung ano yung tinatakbo nila. Wala namang conscious effort, and not necessarily sa offense, but on defense,” he added.

Head coach Chot Reyes praised Erram’s professionalism and readiness despite inconsistent playing time.

“I just keep telling him: ‘Ready ka lang.’ Whether he plays or not at all, we just tell him to stay ready. He also puts in the work during practice, so moments like this are exactly what it’s for,” Reyes said.

TNT now aims to close out the series in Game 5, set for Wednesday, January 14, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

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