TNT Tropang 5G during the PBA Philippine Cup Finals Game 1 vs San Miguel Beermen. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—TNT’s massive lead over San Miguel Beer may have looked insurmountable at one point, but coach Chot Reyes knew nothing was safe.
The Tropang Giga had been expecting a San Miguel Beer fightback, and that’s exactly what they got in a tense finish to Game 1 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals.
READ: PBA Finals: TNT escapes San Miguel as controversy mars Game 1
“We had no illusions that San Miguel would just roll over and lay down so we knew that they were going to mount a fight back,” said Reyes after their controversial 99-96 win over the Beermen at Araneta Coliseum on Sunday night.
“We kept talking to our players about it during breaks and half timeouts. When they were making a run, we kept telling the players to just relax, stay calm, and we had some really good looks in that stretch.”
HIGHLIGHTS: PBA Philippine Cup Finals Game 1 – TNT vs San Miguel
TNT seemed complete control in Game 1, leading San Miguel for three quarters—at one point, by 24 points.
But that lead disappeared in the blink of an eye, after the Beermen unloaded a 30-point payoff period that almost left TNT dumbfounded.
San Miguel Beermen’s Chris Ross during the PBA Philippine Cup Finals Game 1 against TNT Tropang 5G. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Fortunately, TNT got enough in the tank to keep the Beermen at bay and take the 1-0 lead.
“That’s what happens against a team like San Miguel. When you give them an inch of opportunity, they’re going to pounce on it. They upped their defensive pressure.”
READ: PBA Finals: Roger Pogoy immediately delivers for TNT in return
Reyes also lauded Chris Ross, who sparked the Beermen’s comeback with his defensive intensity.
“Chris Ross was a one-man pressing machine and we knew he was going to be a huge factor and we were correct,” said the veteran tactician on Ross, who finished with seven points, five rebounds and four assists.
“He almost single-handedly brought his team back but good enough, we kept our composure in the end,” added Reyes.
Roger Pogoy became one of TNT’s biggest key factors in the win with 23 points while the trio of Jordan Heading, Calvin Oftana and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser finished with 19, 13 and 13 points, respectively.
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.
Reyes looks to avoid another late-game collapse in Game 2 of the Finals this Wednesday at the same venue in Araneta, Cubao.
