Defense is the only way for the shorthanded TNT team to upstage an explosive San Miguel squad.
On Sunday, the Tropang 5G did just that to finally arrest an alarming skid and cracked the win column following a hard-earned 89-84 win over the Beermen in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
The Tropang 5G held the powerhouse Beermen to just 37.5% shooting from the field while also surprisingly outrebonding the bigger opponents, 50-47.
One of those players who showed tenacity in grabbing those rebounds was Calvin Oftana, who pulled down 21 caroms while also leading his squad’s point-production.
Now playing as a twiner, Oftana produced 23 points to lead the charge for the decimated Beermen, who continued to miss the services of top playmaker Jayson Castro and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser.
TNT’s first win in four games was certainly much needed and it took the winningest team to finally test the mettle of the back-to-back champions.
“Obviously, there’s relief to finally get the W,” said TNT coach Chot Reyes. “But it’s a matter of us taking a close look at ourselves and did some brutal reflection.”
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