Jayson Castro knew he had to be at his best Wednesday night with TNT facing GlobalPort, which boasts one of the most fearsome backcourts in the PBA today.
Castro didn’t disappoint as he delivered his conference-best 37 points on top of eight assists to lead the KaTropa over the streaking Batang Pier in a high-octane duel featuring three of the league’s best guards.
Up against stiff competition, the 30-year-old Castro embraced the challenge pitted against the Batang Pier’s Terrence Romeo and Stanley Pringle.
“Nakaka-challenge kasi alam natin na scorer siya,” said Castro of Romeo, who wound up with 33 points.
The former national team star also felt extra motivated being matched up with premiere players.
“Lahat naman sa pba magagaling. Nakaka-challenge especially kapag si Terrence at Pringle, yung backcourt combination nila ang ganda lalo sa transition. Sobrang hirap nila i-stop,” he said after the KaTropa improved their league-leading mark to 7-1.
More than the matchup, Castro said the important thing was that TNT came out on top.
“Alam niyo naman ako, di naman ako nakikipag-compete as individual. Gusto ko lagi team talaga.”