Calvin Oftana is embracing a bigger role for TNT, and he did so under the brightest lights of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals.
With the Tropang 5G reeling and in desperate need of a response, the 30-year-old forward delivered his finest performance of the series, torching San Miguel for 29 points in a dominant 110-87 win in Game 4 on Wednesday night at the Mall of Asia Arena. The victory pulled TNT back on level terms at 2-2 and injected fresh life into the championship battle.
Oftana was in complete control from the opening tip, burying five of his eight attempts from beyond the arc while also contributing six rebounds and four steals. His all-around effort set the tone for a TNT side determined to erase the sting of a narrow Game 3 loss, where CJ Perez’s late heroics had pushed San Miguel ahead in the series.
For Oftana, the performance carried added weight. With fellow scorer Roger Pogoy re-injuring his hamstring and now doubtful for the remainder of the best-of-seven series, the responsibility on his shoulders has only grown heavier.
The former San Beda star is ready for it.
“Kung ano yung magandang nakuha ko ngayon, dadalhin ko sa next game,” Oftana said. “Kung ano yung mga mali, mag-a-adjust ako.”
His calm confidence reflected the mood inside the TNT camp, which refused to dwell on the disappointment of Game 3 and instead responded with purpose and poise.
“Happy lang ako the way we responded,” he added. “Tiwala lang talaga.”
As the Finals shift back to the Ynares Center in Antipolo for Game 5 on Friday, the series is now effectively a best-of-three. Against the reigning champions, Oftana believes TNT is exactly where it wants to be.
“Every game is a different game,” he said. “Eto, we have a chance at a best-of-three, and we’ll take it.”
For TNT, that chance now rests largely on Oftana’s hands—and on his willingness to lead when the stakes are highest.
