Now without Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Grand Slam-seeking TNT Tropang Giga are still finding their way in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup.
RR Pogoy refused to mince words when he described TNT’s losing start in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup.
“Ang sama ng start,” said Pogoy.
Pogoy had this to say after the Tropang 5G suffered a second straight loss, this time at the hands of Converge, 100-94, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo Sunday night, April 27.
“Parang 'di namin makuha 'yong laro namin. Pero buti naman noong second half, doon medyo maganda-ganda. Noong first half, ang sama ng [laro] namin,” the TNT gunner said.
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This season’s back-to-back champion slowly chipped away at a 22-point deficit in the second half, and before they knew it, the Tropang 5G were only down eight, 88-96 entering the final two minutes.
Six more points from Rey Nambatac and Calvin Oftana got them to within four, but time was not on their side to whip up some magic at that point.
RR Pogoy of the TNT Tropang 5G | Photo (c) PBA Images
The loss was unexpected, admitted Pogoy.
“Noong first game kasi, alam naming wala kaming tuneup game. Sabi namin, mangangapa pa. Pero itong second game, nakalaro na kami noong una. Hindi namin in-expect na ganito talaga,” Pogoy said.
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Life without super import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who led them in their Governors’ Cup and Commissioner’s Cup conquests, proved tough so far.
“Honestly, galing tayo sa dalawang conference na nandoon si Rondae. So talagang nag-a-adjust din kami kasi lalo na sa depensa. Nandoon kaagad si Rondae sa ilalim,” he said.
“Ngayon, parang wala kami. Saka lahat ng rebound, kinukuha ni Rondae, 'di ba? Talo yata kami palagi sa rebound. So talagang nag-a-adjust din kami.”