TNT makes it two in a row over Rain or Shine in the best-of-seven PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup semifinals on Friday, Oct. 11.
While Calvin Oftana and Rey Nambatac keyed the Game 2 victory for TNT, head coach Chot Reyes also lauded the efforts of his unheralded players.
Reyes was talking about Tropang Giga bigs Poy Erram and Henry Galinato.
The veteran mentor said Erram and Galinato did a tremendous job in containing Rain or Shine import Aaron Fuller in TNT's 108-91 win in Game 2 of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup semifinals on Friday, Oct. 11.
The Tropang Giga thus followed up on its 90-81 victory in the series opener two days ago.
Fuller was held to 13 points on 5-of-11 shooting from the field. He was also limited to just six rebounds even as he compiled three assists and three blocks.
Erram and Galinato's impressive play on the defensive end has come at a time when the Tropang Giga badly needed someone to take on the daunting task after losing primary import defender in Kelly Williams to a calf injury in the series opener last Wednesday, Oct. 9.
“The job that Poy Erram and Henry Galinato are doing on Aaron Fuller, I think, is very commendable especially now that we don’t have Kelly,” Reyes said.
While making life difficult for Fuller, Galinato and Erram also contributed eight and six points, respectively, while combining for 11 rebounds.
With uncertainty continuing to surround William’s health, the duo will have to sustain their fine play as TNT aims to advance to the finals where it will defend its throne.
“Right now, we cannot put our foot off the pedal. Being up 2-0, it’s nice, but it takes four to get to the next stage,” said Reyes.
“Our entire discussion after this is to continue to try to figure out what adjustments they can make for the next game and, like I said, keep putting our foot on the pedal.”