TNT forward Calvin Oftana in Game 3 of the PBA Finals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—TNT forward Calvin Oftana lamented the Tropang Giga’s poor shot selection down the stretch in a Game 3 loss to the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings in the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals on Friday.
It was a close encounter with TNT trailing by just three heading into the final frame, where Ginebra tightened its defensive screws and managed to pull away and avoid falling to a 0-3 hole in the series.
“That was our problem in the fourth, our shots were forced,” said Oftana.
READ: PBA Finals: Pogoy, TNT get dose of own medicine in Game 3 loss
“I don’t know if I didn’t get open or if my teammates didn’t see me but I know them. I know that they know we had to take those forced shots because we were chasing the lead.”
The Tropang Giga struggled to get going in the fourth quarter where they scored just 14 points.
“You really can’t just sweep Ginebra knowing they have a good coach, coaching staff and players. We’re just going to adjust for Game 4,” said Oftana, who scored nine points on 3-of-11 shooting from the field.
READ: PBA Finals: Ginebra plays big on both ends to chop TNT lead to 2-1
A sharpshooter during TNT’s run in the double-round robin of the import-laden conference, Oftana saw himself struggle in the field as he sank just three of his 11 attempts from the field.
Even with a cold night, Oftana knows it’ll be his confidence that’ll be the driving force for him to excel again come Game 4 on Sunday.
“I just need to be confident. If I’m open, I have to make it count because having open looks is a rarity against Ginebra. I get shots up in training knowing it will come out the way it does [in game].”