Calvin Oftana is the first player in league history to hit multiple four-point shots in a single game after the TNT Tropang Giga fended off the NorthPort Batang Pier to start their title-defense on a high.
If there’s one player so far who seems to benefit from the newly-implemented four-point line in the PBA, it’s TNT’s Calvin Oftana.
Oftana made history in the Tropang Giga’s season-opening win against NorthPort in the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup by becoming the first player to hit multiple four-pointers in a single game, hitting all of his two attempts.
But it was an entirely different story when it came to his shooting inside and beyond the three-point line, finishing on just a combined 3/17 clip.
“Opportunity lang ‘yun kasi nandoon na ko. Wala namang bantay so tinira ko na lang din,” Oftana responded.
“Yun nga, mas nakaka-shoot [ako] sa four points kaysa three points,” the 6-foot-5 wingman jokingly responded.
Despite his shooting struggle, Oftana became the Tropang Giga’s top local scorer after finishing with 15 points, seven rebounds, and two assists to help TNT start their title-defense on a winning note.
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Reigning Best Import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson paced the Tropang Giga with an all-around outing of 32 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and four blocks as he and Oftana played a key role in keeping TNT alive for most of the game.
Part of the Season 48 Second Mythical Team, Oftana reassured the locals that they are ready to step up and help RHJ carry the load in their title-retention bid.
“No doubt naman sa kaniya. Alam naman namin ‘yung capability niya. Nandito lang kami para ireinforce siya. We always have his back.”
Despite missing some key players in RR Pogoy, Kelly Williams, and Henry Galinato, TNT put away NorthPort with the debuting Rey Nambatac and Glenn Khobuntin combining for 25 points and Jayson Castro, Brian Heruela, and Poy Erram all chipping 24 markers in between them.
The Tropang Giga face their first acid test on Thursday, August 22 as they square off with reigning Philippine Cup champion Meralco Bolts in the main game at 7:30 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.