PBA: Win over Ginebra boosts TNT confidence heading into playoffs

TNT coach Jojo Lastimosa and the Tropang Giga bench. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–Even with twice-to-beat protection in the bag, TNT took the opportunity in seizing the top seed in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the expense of Barangay Ginebra on Friday night.

The Tropang Giga prevailed, 114-105, over the Gin Kings in a thriller at Philsports Arena in Pasig City with leading conference scorer Roger Pogoy leading a late rally.

“This is important going into the playoffs,” Pogoy told reporters after TNT also extended its winning streak to eight games.

“We need to (end the eliminations) on a winning note. It’s going tough if we’re coming off a loss going to the playoffs,” he added.

TNT overhauled a 14-point deficit entering the 10:33 mark of the final frame with Pogoy unloading 10 of his total 22 points in that stretch.

TNT’s Roger Pogoy against Ginebra defenders. –PBA IMAGES

“We struggled. Even in that fourth quarter, we were struggling. We knew that we were playing the defending champion. But coach (Jojo Lastimosa) just told us to focus no matter what,” Pogoy recalled.

“That’s what we thought. Until the game is over, we just have to focus and just stick with the system no matter what happens.”

Pogoy wasn’t the only TNT player to typify such grit. His backcourt partner Mikey Williams had 25 points, while Calvin Oftana and Jayson Castro had 12 each, also figuring prominently in that cutthroat run down the stretch that stunned the crowd darlings.

The outing eventually allowed Tropang Giga to improve to 10-1 and ultimately claim the top seed, which sends them on a collision course with Phoenix Super LPG in a quarterfinal duel beginning Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“This should be a boost to our confidence,” Pogoy said of the win.