TNT guard Jayson Castro. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines-Jayson Castro hit a tough floater with 2.6 ticks remaining to save TNT from tough-as-nails Converge, 86-83, Sunday night at Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
The Tropang Giga cornerstone’s heroics rescued the club from absorbing what could’ve been another embarrassing outing by the defending Philippine Cup champions, as they were in control for most of the contest.
“Thanks to his guy beside me who found a way to score in that final play,” TNT coach Chot Reyes said of his ward who finished with a team-best 17 points to go with four rebounds and three assists.
Castro’s shot allowed TNT to regain the lead after a couple of blunders committed by the young FiberXers.
“Well, in the overall scheme of things, with the other teams getting Ws, it’s always important for us to cope and stay up there in the winning column,” Reyes said of the victory which had the club improving to 2-1.
“We still have a lot of games left, but it’s important that the teams that we have a good chance to beat we’re able to take care of. For me, that’s the importance of this ball game,” said Reyes.
It was truly a sorry loss for the young FiberXers, who were coming off a massive upset against conference bridesmaid Magnolia earlier this week. They slid to 1-2.
TNT hopes to get a streak going against NLEX this Thursday again at the hilltop venue.
Converge, meanwhile, aims to stop the bleeding when it goes up against Meralco in that playdate’s nightcap.
The Scores
TNT 86 – Castro 17, Khobuntin 15, Rosario 13, Pogoy 12, Alejandro 10, Erram 9, Reyes 6, K. Williams 4, Marcelo 0, Ganuelas-Rosser 0.
Converge 83 – Tolomia 17, Ahanmisi 15, Racal 15, Arana 9, Teng 8, Ambohot 5, Hill 4, Ilagan 2, Murrell 2, Bulanadi 2, Digregorio 2, Adamos 2.
Quarters: 24-12, 40-36, 63-57, 86-83.