The Tropang Giga were in peak form in Game 1, but Jolas believes the series is far from over.
The TNT Tropang Giga had a good first quarter and an OK second quarter to start Friday’s Game 1 of their PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals clash against the Meralco Bolts. Still, they led by 12 coming into halftime at Ynares Center in the city of Antipolo.
As a top seed that dominated the eliminations with a 10-1 win-loss record, that performance seems flat. And then, TNT used a strong, 35-point third quarter led by import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson to cruise to an easy 110-80 win in the series opener.
It was a statement game from the studs of coach Jojo Lastimosa, as if reminding the foes who they are and that they are here for the crown.
Hollis-Jefferson notched a triple-double of 22 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists, alongside 2 steals, and 2 blocks. RR Pogoy scored 21 points, while Calvin Oftana had 15 markers and 9 boards.
Lastimosa, however, is not letting the win get into their heads. Most especially when 11-time PBA champion coach Norman Black is leading the opposing team.
“I don’t want to think that Meralco is not gonna come up with a great plan. Norman’s been there,” said Lastimosa, who showed respect to the legendary PBA import back in the 80s.
“I’ve played against him and he’s coached a long time and he’s won a lot, and he knows how to adjust in these situations,” added Lastimosa, who himself is no slouch on the court, as he was named to PBA’s 40 Greatest Players.
Jolas knows Meralco is a resilient team that can climb from any hole. He even threw it back to the Tropang Giga's own playoff failure at the Bolts' hands.
“First game for them is nothing new. They’ve lost first game before and won three straight over TNT, so it’s not something that he hasn’t done before,” said the former PBA All-Star.
Lastimosa also expects a revenge game not just from Black, but from one of his stars, guard Chris Newsome, who scored 10 points and had 3 turnovers in Game 1.
“My biggest concern really was keeping Newsome in check. I was actually ready for Rondae to pick him up because I got so much respect for Newsome,” the TNT coach said. “We haven’t seen much of him tonight, but he’s gonna be ready in Game 2 and we’re gonna be ready for him.”
Meralco will have a chance to even the series on Sunday, March 26, once again at the Ynares Center.