It was a swashbuckling contest from start to finish.
In a battle between two prolific imports, the one in black-and-yellow jersey had the last laugh.
TNT Tropang Giga reinforcement Jalen Hudson erupted for 56 points as the team eked out a 128-122 win over Converge FiberXers in their PBA Governors’ Cup match on Wednesday.
“Just trying to be aggressive. That's pretty much it. My teammates gave me confidence,” said Hudson after the swashbuckling contest at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Hudson bested Converge’s Jamaal Franklin, who finished with 47 points, 14 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals, and the same number of blocks but failed to keep the FiberXers' immaculate start.
The hooper from Akron, Ohio tipped his hat off to his counterpart, who refused to just roll over and die in the homestretch but ultimately fell short.
“I thought he was a heck of a player. He made some really tough shots. I see how he made it to the CBA,” Hudson said of Franklin. “For a while there I didn't think he was gonna slow down. Thought it was a really good matchup. Thought he played well and I’m just happy we’re able to end up with the win.”
TNT coach Jojo Lastimosa was no longer surprised with his ward’s performance.
“I know what he’s capable of doing. He’s as quick as anybody in the league. He’s athletic. If he goes past that main guy, I don't care who’s in there, there’s no 7-footers in this league to stop him,” said Lastimosa, whose team improved to 4-1.
“So, I just told him, I think he can finish better if you’re not in a hurry. And that's what he did the whole night," said Lastimosa of Hudson's explosive game. "He didn't change his game. He was attacking the first four games, but now I think he has a better sense of idea of not to be in a hurry because there’s no 7-footer to bother his shot.”
Lastimosa praised his prized ward, who also had 12 rebounds and 4 assists in the win. But he reiterated there’s one more thing he wants to see from Hudson.
“He’s up there in terms of skills. The imports now are totally different from way back when I was playing. Imports now are so skilled. Jalen is one of those imports that's very athletic,” he said.
“The only thing that I’m looking for Jalen right now is to be a little more all-around, get the other guys involved. He’s eventually gonna figure it out.”