TNT Tropang Giga and Gilas Pilipinas member Calvin Oftana during the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals. –PBA IMAGESc
MANILA, Philippines—Sleepless and tired but fulfilled, nonetheless–that’s how TNT forward Calvin Oftana looked after Game 1 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals.
On Wednesday at Araneta Coliseum, the Tropang Giga relied on a fatigued Oftana to eke out an 88-84 win over pesky Rain or Shine.
Article continues after this advertisement
PBA: Calvin Oftana’s confidence shines through in latest TNT win
Even when he’s lacking in sleep, Oftana felt like all was well as long as his mother team won the opening game of the import-laden conference’s semis.
“I haven’t slept yet,” said Oftana in jest. “That’s really how it is, though. You have to sacrifice. I love basketball and I know that I have a job to fulfill here in TNT.”
Article continues after this advertisement
Oftana only landed in the Philippines at 1 a.m. on Tuesday following his national duty with Gilas Pilipinas, ending a long stretch of traveling in the past of weeks.
It started after the quarterfinals ended on February 11 when Oftana packed his bags and flew with Gilas for a couple of friendly games in Doha, Qatar.
READ: Tim Cone: PBA Finals tormentor Calvin Oftana ‘important part’ of Gilas
But the grind just started there as Oftana and company then took on the third and final window of the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers against Chinese Taipei and New Zealand on the road.
Gilas ended up being 1-4 for the month of February, maybe that’s part of what lit a fire under Oftana and pushed him to finish with 22 points, four rebounds and three assists plus two steals for good measure.
“When we got back here, I still practiced at nine in the morning [yesterday]. I got out of the house at 7 am and I went straight to practice. You really need to sacrifice,” he said.
Oftana also had no problem integrating himself back into TNT’s game plan despite being away for two weeks, thanks to his familiarity with the Tropang Giga system under coach Chot Reyes.
“I’ve been with TNT for how many years now so I just needed some small adjustments because I already knew the system.”
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.
Oftana and Tropang Giga shoot for a 2-0 lead over the Elasto Painters on Friday at Philsports Arena in Pasig.
