Chot Reyes and the rest of the TNT Tropang Giga enjoy another victory in Game 4 of their PBA Commissioner's Cup semifinals with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
TNT coach Chot Reyes was pretty straightforward when he talked to his wards before Game 4 of their PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup semifinals against Rain or Shine Wednesday, March 5.
He simply asked the Tropang Giga to "be better."
“Our pregame was very simple. I just challenged the players to be better. We just told them, 'Be better screeners, better passers, better defenders. just make sure that you are better today, then whatever happens, come what may, we’re fine with it,'” said Reyes.
His message got across as TNT bounced back from a Game 3 setback via a 93-85 win this time against the Elasto Painters.
Calvin Oftana and RR Pogoy put up spectacular 20-point outings for the Tropang Giga, who are now on the verge of a return trip to the PBA Finals.
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Hailed Player of the Game, Oftana fired 26 points he topped with three rebounds and four assists while Pogoy registered 22 points, four rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block.
“'Yung sinabi ni coach sa amin, 'yung sinulat niya sa board, 'yung mission naming is being better sa lahat ng aspects — better screeners, energy. 'Yung pinapakita namin doon sa loob, gusto lang naming i-prove sa sarili naming kaya naman pala naming mag-ganoon,” said Oftana.
TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson finds helping hands in Calvin Oftana and RR Pogoy in Game 4 of their PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup semifinals with Rain or Shine. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson added 17 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, a steal and two blocks for TNT, which pulled away late en route to the win.
Trailing by four, the Tropang Giga were able to turn the tide and build a 10-point advantage with 46.9 ticks left to play on Oftana’s basket.
Deon Thompson, who single-handedly carried the Elasto Painters on his broad shoulders with 44 points, tried to bring his team back, but his efforts proved futile.
Thompson also had 13 rebounds, an assist and a steal.
The Scores:
TNT 93 – Oftana 26, Pogoy 22, Hollis-Jefferson 17, Nambatac 12, Aurin 9, Erram 4, Williams 3, Razon 0, Khobuntin 0.
RAIN OR SHINE 85 – Thompson 44, Datu 8, Asistio 8, Caracut 6, Tiongson 6, Clarito 5, Nocum 4, Mamauyac 4, Norwood 0, Santillan 0.
Quarterscores: 26-21, 53-43, 73-67, 93-85