Madanly provides spark for TNT as Meralco clamps down on Castro

TNT Asian import Michael Madanly. PBA IMAGES

With Meralco tightly guarding Jayson Castro, Michael Madanly stepped up big for TNT.

Unloading 20 of his 22 points in the second half, the Syrian reinforcement’s scorching 4-of-6 three-point shooting propelled the KaTropa past the Bolts, 113-95, in game one their best-of-5 semifinals series on Tuesday.

From a tight 45-43 affair at halftime, Madanly led TNT’s third quarter breakaway to lead by 21, 84-63, in the third frame in a display of the KaTropa’s sheer firepower.

“That’s our pace to play, but we can’t play 48 minutes in that same intensity,” said Madanly, who came off the bench. “In the first half, we tried to go deep and we tried to maintain that. But in the second half, we put more energy, attacked the rim, and play defense.”

Madanly is finally reaping the benefits of the extra work he’s been putting in after practice.

“I’m working so hard everyday. Nothing comes from nothing. I put a lot of effort everyday after practice and my hard work paid off,” he said.

Madanly’s numbers today is a huge improvement from his usual averages after only netting 14.4 points on 46.3 percent from three through 12 games.

The returning import, though, refuses to be content with still a long way to go for TNT in its title quest.

“We have to keep improving everyday. We can’t relax and think that we’re champions. It’s a good win, it’s 1-0, but we have to focus on the next game. They’re going to find ways to stop us,” he said. “I will keep working on my shot and keep my confidence high so when I get a chance, I’ll be ready to take advantage of those chances.”