Calvin Oftana shot a career-high nine treys which resulted to another career-best 42 points in TNT’s breakthrough in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup.
“Lucky charm is here.”
That’s what Calvin Oftana said as he made his way to the podium at the press room inside the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate.
Oftana was referring to his son Khalel, who sat on his lap as he and TNT coach Chot Reyes was being interviewed by the media.
One could say Oftana had a lucky night Wednesday, Dec. 11, after churning out a career-high 42 points on another career-best nine triples to help the Tropang Giga break through against Magnolia, 103-100, win over Magnolia in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup.
[RELATED STORY: Calvin Oftana fires 42 on 9 treys in double career night as TNT gets win No. 1 vs Magnolia]
“Maganda lang ang tulog. Maganda lang ang gising,” Oftana said with a smile when asked about his fiery performance.
“Ginagawa ko naman 'yun araw-araw sa practice. 'Yung confidence na ibinibigay ng coaches to take those shots [made the difference]. Giving credit na rin sa teammates ko sa mga depensa nila.”
The sweet-shooting Gilas mainstay said that TNT doubled down on effort against the Hotshots after its 0-2 start.
“'Yung effort 'yung pinakamalaking bagay namin na consistently na ibibigay namin sa court. Hindi 'yun naituturo, eh. Sariling sikap na 'yan ng mga players,” said Oftana, who teamed up with import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (41 points, 13 rebounds, five assists and four steals).
Tropang Giga coach Chot Reyes echoed a similar sentiment.
“Our only focus was effort. I was very upset with the effort we showed in the first two games,” said Reyes.
That effort negated a 27-point outing by Magnolia reinforcement Ricard Ratliffe, whose team dropped its third straight game for a 1-3 tally.
Ratliffe, winner of five Korean Basketball League titles, also had 14 rebounds and three assists.
The Hotshots also drew 18 points and eight assists from Mark Barroca. Calvin Abueva and Jerom Lastimosa added 18 points apiece.
The Scores:
TNT 103 – Oftana 42, Hollis-Jefferson 41, Pogoy 6, Erram 6, Heruela 4, Nambatac 4, Razon 0, Galinato 0, Khobuntin 0, Varilla 0, Aurin 0.
MAGNOLIA 100 – Ratliff 27, Barroca 18, Abueva 18, Lastimosa 18, Sangalang 9, Eriobu 5, Dionisio 3, Mendoza 2, Dela Rosa 0, Ahanmisi 0, Balanza 0.
Quarterscores: 33-25, 52-48, 83-69, 103-100