PBA Finals: Nambatac shakes off first time jitters in TNT win

TNT guard Rey Nambatac during Game 1 of the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals against Ginebra.–PBA IMAGES

ANTIPOLO—Rey Nambatac’s PBA Finals inexperience showed in the first half.

But it didn’t take long for the TNT guard to get the hang of it, providing the Tropang Giga a big lift in a 104-88 win over Barangay Ginebra in Game 1 of their best-of-seven Governors’ Cup title series on Sunday.

“To be honest, I was nervous, especially in the opening. I got goosebumps,” admitted Nambatac.

READ: Bittersweet feeling for Nambatac as he plays in first PBA Finals

“It’s my first time playing in this atmosphere, playing in the Finals. I’ve been here in the PBA for seven years but I still can’t avoid the pressure. But I use that pressure as a motivation because I know I can’t let my emotions get the better of me.”

After looking like a complete newbie in the first half where he finished with just three points, Nambatac shifted his game to a higher gear in the second half and caught the Gin Kings off guard.

Nambatac was brilliant on both ends, collecting 18 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and two steals in 26 minutes of action.

READ: PBA: With Nambatac fleshing out role to hilt, TNT rises to top

The Letran product said he’s just glad to make up for his first half shortcomings.

“It’s a good thing that I overcame that.”

“In the first half, my frustrations were still there and I couldn’t find my rhythm so in the second half, I slowly got my touches and it just continued.”

Nambatac and the Tropang Giga shoot for a 2-0 series lead on Wednesday at Araneta Coliseum for Game 2.