Tropa complete Last 8 cast

MANILA, Philippines — TNT caught the last bus to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals with RR Pogoy finally back on board.

Turning in an inspired game in Pogoy’s first appearance since getting sidelined by myocarditis last October, the Tropang Giga waylaid the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 116-96, to nail the disputed No. 8 slot last night at the PhilSports Arena.

With a closing 5-6 win-loss record, TNT avoided going through a risky rubbermatch for the eighth seat with NLEX, which was waiting in the wings with its 4-7 mark.

Coach Jojo Lastimosa’s troops completed the post-season cast but drew top-seeded Magnolia (9-2) as their opponent in the next phase and holding a twice-to-win disadvantage.

Phoenix finished with 8-3 in a four-way tie with San Miguel Beer, Ginebra and Meralco. The Fuel Masters eventually found themselves relegated to No. 4 after tiebreak but will still go into the quarters with a win-once incentive against the fifth-ranked Bolts.

Pogoy played for 20 minutes and scored 11 points spiked by three triples to go with three assists, three rebounds, and two steals.

“We’re just happy to see him play again,” Lastimosa said of the Cebuano sniper.

“For a while there akala namin matatagalan. First prognosis was six months (out) but he’s back in three months and that’s great news not only from a career standpoint but Roger being healthy again.”

Pogoy was surrounded by fiery performances from Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson (35-9-11), Calvin Oftana (19), Kim Aurin (18) and Brian Heruela (14).

“There’s a lot of heroes tonight. Aside from Kim, Brian played splendidly well. Even Roger. First game in six months and his energy was infectious,” said Lastimosa.