PBA: TNT relishes important win against ‘elite’ Converge

TNT coach Jojo Lastimosa. –PBA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—TNT’s win over the “elite” Converge in the PBA Governors’ Cup was a good measure of progress for the team, according to coach Jojo Lastimosa.

After Tropang Giga’s 128-122 win against the FiberXers on Wednesday, Lastimosa said he considers Aldin Ayo-led squad as a top-tier team in the conference with how they have been matching with the league’s best.

“They’re the ones who’re actually trying to barge in with the elite San Miguel groups. Also Meralco and Magnolia. Magnolia is struggling but they’ve always been consistent with where they are in terms of record,” said  Lastimosa.

“It’s nice to beat a team that hasn’t been beaten,” he added. 

Prior to the loss, Converge rode a four-game winning streak and was tied with fellow unbeaten teams with San Miguel and NLEX.

Magnolia, meanwhile, is currently struggling at the tenth spot with three losses in as many games.

TNT’s next stop will be against Terrafirma, which may not be a huge threat with a 1-2 card. But Lastimosa reiterated that it will be as important as their match against Converge.

“If you look at our next games we know we have two teams we’re supposed to beat. We can’t afford to lose any of those. This is important but the next one is just as important,” he said

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TNT import Jalen Hudson against Converge import Jamaal Franklin in the PBA Governors’ Cup. –PBA IMAGES

What made the now 4-1 team elite is Converge’s ability to play efficiently at a fast pace, admitted Lastimosa.

The FiberXers tallied 27 fast-break points, a huge leap compared to Tropang Giga’s 15. They also scored 17 points from 16 TNT turnovers.

“They’re used to playing at a fast pace but the good thing is we were able to keep in step with them throughout the game,” said the top coach.

“I just thought that the guys fought hard. It may not be indicated in the score sheet but every point that we got, we earned,” he added.

Converge’s outing was powered by Jamaal Franklin, who flirted with a triple-double after registering 47 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists.

Jalen Hudson, however, reigned supreme in the import matchup with 56 markers, 12 boards and four dimes.