Tropa brace for tough fight
Tropa brace for tough fight
MANILA, Philippines — TNT coach Chot Reyes said yesterday it’ll be a struggle to turn back Rain or Shine in the PBA Philippine Cup best-of-three quarterfinals as the Tropang Giga gropes for consistency but with what his charges displayed in beating Magnolia to clinch No. 4 in the standings last Sunday, there is reason to be optimistic.
Reyes, who is back at TNT’s helm after a two-conference sit-out to focus on Gilas duties, described Rain or Shine as the hottest team in the league with six wins in its last seven games. “They’re playing at a very high level,” said Reyes.
TNT’s win over Magnolia uncovered key adjustments that came after the loss to Converge. A defeat to the Hotshots would’ve relegated TNT to a knockout for eighth place and finishing No. 8 means facing No. 1 San Miguel Beer with a twice-to-win disadvantage. “We knew the importance of the game (and) that’s why we treated it as the start of the playoffs for us,” said Reyes. “Playing in a best-of-three is much better than being twice to win.”
Against Magnolia, Reyes started Jewel Ponferrada for the first time this conference and reinstated Kib Montalbo in the opening five from coming off the bench in the last eight contests. Kelly Williams was back after missing the last game and Brian Heruela, averaging 1.1 points and 7.4 minutes, fired 13 in 26:10 minutes as a reserve. “That start was a result of our continued tinkering with our rotation throughout the conference in search of consistency,” said Reyes. “Kib and Brian have been playing well in practice. I’m surprised they haven’t played this well from the start.” Ponferrada scored 10 points in his first double figure mark this conference and Montalbo had four points with two assists. Williams shot a conference-high 19 points while Jayson Castro compiled 18 points, four rebounds and seven assists before walking off the court with a sprained left wrist. X-rays later revealed no serious injury and Reyes said Castro will likely play in Game 1 against ROS.
Reyes has led TNT to five of its nine championships, the last in the 2021-22 Philippine Cup bubble. This is TNT’s 16th conference under Reyes. TNT’s last title came in the Governors’ Cup with team manager and interim coach Jojo Lastimosa the previous season.