The TNT star is extremely fortunate to have been selected for the much-awaited All-Star Game in Bacolod next weekend, as it represents yet another milestone in his remarkable recovery from myocarditis that could have ended his career.

Pogoy was brought in to replace Tyler Tio, however, he wasn’t among the top 29 vote-getters for the midseason spectacular main event. The Phoenix star is still out following a minor ankle injury.

Due to a minor groin ailment, the 31-year-old was unable to commit right away, but he did inform the league that if he makes it through their Season 48 Philippine Cup match against San Miguel on Sunday, he will be OK.

Pogoy carried it out. Even though he played a significant amount of time (36:20) off the bench, he finished with 15 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and a steal. Despite this, the Tropang Giga were unable to pull off an upset, falling short 91-89.

Nevertheless, he is ready for Bacolod, where he will be joining captain Japeth Aguilar’s squad, which includes some very familiar faces for him, including TNT colleague Calvin Oftana and fellow FEU Tamaraw Terrence Romeo.

The rest of his Gilas colleagues, Christian Standhardinger, Paul Lee, Jamie Malonzo, Chris Newsome, Don Trollano, Marcio Lassiter, Arvin Tolentino, Maverick Ahanmisi, and Stanley Pringle, are all on the team.

Aside from how much this means to him, Pogoy is now on his way to his fifth All-Star game. The Cebuano guard is excited to savor every moment of his trip to the City of Smiles, from meeting fans to sampling regional food.

Meanwhile, Sunday night at the Ynares Center here, in a match between PBA Philippine Cup contenders, San Miguel was fortunate to defeat TNT, 91-89.

The Tropang Giga closed the game to within a point thanks to the Beermen’s strong second-quarter advantage and their defense, combined with a little bit of luck, saved the crew in the end.

While Brandon Ganuleas-Rosser was open at the top of the key and Jayson Castro was able to locate him, the sophomore forward missed a potentially game-winning three-pointer as time ran out due to SMB.

June Mar Fajardo led SMB in its second straight victory to maintain its perfect record in the conference with a final tally of 15 points and 17 rebounds.

With 12 points apiece, Marcio Lassiter, Jericho Cruz, and Don Trollano supplied the seven-time MVP with plenty of assistance.

When San Miguel takes on Phoenix on March 31, Sunday, 3 p.m., it wants to maintain its form following the All-Star and Lenten break. at the Araneta Coliseum, SMART.

Castro led TNT, however, with 20 points, four rebounds, and six assists in the defeat that prevented the club from winning the game after trailing 89-84.

Kelly Williams and Calvin Oftana each scored 14 points, while Roger Pogoy scored 15. In the defeat, Kim Aurin scored 10 more points.

With 25.5 seconds remaining, Williams had a chance to tie the game, but he was unable to complete his free throws, allowing the score to drop to just 90-89.
With 15.4 seconds remaining, Cruz also went 1-of-2 from the line, but the door remained open for the Tropang Giga.

As the buzzer went off, Ganuelas-Rosser got a good shot, but he was unable to take advantage of it, and Coach Chot Reyes’ team lost 2-2.

TNT’s next game is scheduled for April 5 at the Big Dome against Arvin Tolentino and NorthPort. There will be a 4:30 game.

The Scores

San Miguel 91 – Fajardo 15, Lassiter 12, Trollano 12, Cruz 12, Romeo 9, Enciso 9, Perez 9, Ross 6, Teng 5, Tautuaa 2, Brondial 0.

TNT 89 – Castro 20, Pogoy 15, Oftana 14, K.Williams 14, Aurin 10, Heruela 4, Ganuelas-Rosser B. 4, Ebona 4, Khobuntin 2, Ponferrada 2, Reyes 0, Varilla 0, Montalbo 0, Ganuelas-Rosser M. 0.

Quarter scores: 25-23; 52-39; 72-70; 91-89.