TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (with ball) found it tough to score on the Ginebra defense. But the Tropang Giga found other guys to deliver for a Game 1 victory. —AUGUST DELA CRUZ
Poy Erram’s composure and Jayson Castro’s experience played to the advantage of TNT, which gained a headstart over Barangay Ginebra in the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals.
Their contributions on Sunday night before a packed crowd at Ynares Center here in Antipolo City were key in the Tropang Giga’s 104-88 win that set the tone for what could be a battle of wits in the best-of-seven title series.
“They are veterans and they know what to do in these situations,” coach Chot Reyes said after the Tropang Giga leaned on a hot start then slowly dashed any chances of a Gin Kings comeback in the second half before a venue record of 11,021 fans.
Erram vowed to be mentally ready not only for the opponent, but also for Ginebra faithful, whom he quieted with 15 points without missing any of his six attempts, including two from beyond the arc. He also had four rebounds to provide some help for workaholic import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.
Castro, meanwhile, exploited the youthfulness of Ginebra’s RJ Abarrientos with his witty moves on offense and came up with 12 of his 14 points in the third quarter that allowed TNT to break away after Ginebra tried to narrow the gap following the Tropang Giga’s hot start.
“Their job was to really stabilize and take advantage of the opportunities,” said Reyes. ““I thought Poy played tremendous defense and it helped because we wanted to keep Ginebra off the glass.
“Jayson saw the opportunity in the third quarter and credit to his teammates for affording him [the chance] and making sure he was in the right places to attack.”
Game 2 on Wednesday
RR Pogoy and Rey Nambatac also stepped up as TNT continued to display the form that led to eight wins in 10 games to top Group A and methodical triumphs over NLEX and Rain or Shine in the playoffs to get to this point.
Game 2 is set on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum as the Tropang Giga will look for ways to gain a 2-0 lead against a Gin Kings side that will use the three-day break to make significant adjustments.
Hollis-Jefferson had 19 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and three blocks, Nambatac chipped in 18 in his first PBA Finals game and Pogoy added 12 for the Tropang Giga.
Justin Brownlee dropped 23 and Japeth Aguilar posted 14, but Ginebra was left to lament its flat start and having to play catch up the rest of the way.
The Gin Kings missed their first 18 shots from three-point land before ending the night with a 2-of-21 clip.
“We had pretty good practices leading up to this game. I knew we were going to start strong, but [we] also expected Ginebra to start strong and I think that was the difference, Reyes said” INQ