After vomiting, everything went Rey Nambatac’s way to aid TNT in taking Game 1 of the PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals against his former team Rain or Shine.
Rey Nambatac bared he was feeling sick in the early goings of TNT’s 90-81 victory over Rain or Shine in Game 1 of their PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup semifinal joust on Wednesday, Oct. 9.
Nambatac said that he suffered from stomach pain and had to vomit at the onset of the second half of the match at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
“Maraming hindi nakakaalam, sumuka ako sa start ng second half. Sumakit 'yung tiyan ko. Iba 'yung kinain ko, eh,” Nambatac told reporters shortly after the game.
It turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Nambatac.
After scoring just three points in the first 24 minutes of action, Nambatac felt relieved in the third period where he dropped 11 points as the Tropang Giga outgunned the Elasto Painters, 36-23, to take a 75-66 lead entering the final quarter.
Nambatac finished with 14 points, nine rebounds, two assists and a steal against his former team.
“Pero tingin ko, 'yun 'yung naging factor. Kasi gumaan 'yung pakiramdam ko,” he said.
“Kaya noong first half, sobrang bigat ko talaga. Hindi ako makatakbo, nahirapan akong huminga. 'Yun pala 'yun.”
After Nambatac's third quarter explosion, it was import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson who made a difference for TNT.
Hollis-Jefferson nailed what turned out to be the dagger of a quadruple with 1:47 remaining for the Tropang Giga to nab Game 1 of the best-of-seven series.
TNT will try to ride the momentum as it takes on Rain or Shine anew on Friday, Oct. 11, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Game time is at 5 p.m.