PBA: Win over Ginebra boosts TNT confidence heading into playoffs | Inquirer Sports
PBA

PBA: Win over Ginebra boosts TNT confidence heading into playoffs

/ 01:46 PM March 18, 2023
TNT coach Jojo Lastimosa and the Tropang Giga bench. –PBA IMAGES

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

“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.

FEATURED STORIES

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

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.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Read Next
Don't miss out on the latest news and information.

Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.

TAGS: PBA, Roger Pogoy, TNT Tropang Giga
For feedback, complaints, or inquiries, contact us.
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our sports news

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.



© Copyright 1997-2023 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. To find out more, please click this link.