(PBA images)
After a bungled attempt in Game 3, the Tropang Giga worked double time to move to the doorstep of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals with a 93-85 victory over Rain or Shine Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Calvin Oftana fired 26, and RR Pogoy shot 22 to lead TNT, easing the offensive burden on Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who himself put in a strong all-around game of 17 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and two blocks in the bounceback to their 103-98 Game 3 loss.
The Tropang Giga thus positioned themselves for the potential finals-clinching victory in Friday’s Game 5.
“Our pre-game (discussion) was very simple. I just challenged the players to be better – be better screeners, better passers, better defenders,” said coach Chot Reyes, whose crew set the tone for the pivotal Game 4 victory with an 11-5 salvo that led to a 91-81 cushion.
“We just wanted to make sure we played better today and put in a better effort. I think the players responded very well; there were some great hustle plays on our end, and I think that was the difference in the end,” he added.
TNT, the reigning Governors’ Cup titlist, is soldiering on this quest for a Season 49 twin-kill without injured veteran Jayson Castro (knee injury).
“Malaking bagay na wala si Kuya Jayson. Itong remaining games namin inoffer namin sa kanya,” said Oftana, who had six in the closeout.
“Big factor is Kuya Jayson sa amin pero it’s not one person who can fill up a shoe ni Kuya Jayson, it should be us as a team.”
TNT spoiled the 44-point, 13-rebound output of ROS’ Deon Thompson in this Ash Wednesday duel.
The Scores:
TNT 93 – Oftana 26, Pogoy 22, Hollis-Jefferson 17, Nambatac 12, Aurin 9, Erram 4, Williams 3, Razon 0, Khobuntin 0.
Rain or Shine 85 – Thompson 44, Datu 8, Asistio 8, Caracut 6, Tiongson 6, Clarito 5, Nocum 4, Mamauyac 4, Norwood 0, Santillan 0.
Quarterscores: 26-21, 53-43, 73-67, 93-85