Calvin Oftana erupted for a career-high 42 points, as the TNT Tropang Giga beat the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots last Wednesday in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup.
Calvin Oftana is lighting up the PBA Commissioner’s Cup with his red-hot shooting, and he delivered his best performance yet in TNT’s much-needed 103-100 victory over Magnolia on Wednesday.
The TNT sharpshooter erupted for a career-high 42 points, knocking down nine three-pointers against one of the league’s top defensive teams.
Oftana’s explosion provided the spark for the Tropang Giga, who entered the game reeling from back-to-back losses to open the conference.
“Ginagawa ko naman ‘yun araw-araw sa practice,” said Oftana, who credited his coaches and teammates for his confidence. “Confidence ‘yung binibigay ng coaches, si Coach Chot (Reyes) sa amin, to take those shots. ‘Yun ‘yung sinasabi niya. Kapag libre, tira. And giving credit lang din sa mga teammates ko.”
Oftana’s recent form has been stellar, including a 6-for-10 performance from deep in their loss to NorthPort. His Game 3 explosion earned him the Pilipinas Live-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week (Dec. 10-15), beating out June Mar Fajardo and Joshua Munzon.
Teammate Rondae Hollis-Jefferson added 41 points, marking the first import-local scoring tandem to hit 40 since 1991, when Terrance Bailey and Allan Caidic combined for 88 points in Presto Tivoli’s historic win.
“Calvin had an amazing game. I’m always happy to see Calvin play well and see the smile in his face. We actually have the same birthday [January 3]. It’s an amazing feeling,” said Hollis-Jefferson.
With Oftana firing on all cylinders, TNT looks to build on their breakthrough win and turn their season around.
The Tropang Giga take on the Blackwater Bossing on Thursday, December 19, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium at 7:30 p.m.
[Editor's note: This article was generated by a member of the One Sports Digital team using AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]