TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (with ball) found it tough to attain on the Ginebra defense. However the Tropang Giga found other guys to deliver for a Game 1 victory. —AUGUST DELA CRUZ
Poy Erram’s composure and Jayson Castro’s experience played to the advantage of TNT, which gained a headstart over Barangay Ginebra within the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals.
Their contributions on Sunday night before a packed crowd at Ynares Center here in Antipolo City were key within the Tropang Giga’s 104-88 win that set the tone for what may very well be a battle of wits within the best-of-seven title series.
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“They’re veterans and so they know what to do in these situations,” coach Chot Reyes said after the Tropang Giga leaned on a hot start then slowly dashed any probabilities of a Gin Kings comeback within the second half before a venue record of 11,021 fans.
Erram vowed to be mentally ready not just for the opponent, but in addition for Ginebra faithful, whom he quieted with 15 points without missing any of his six attempts, including two from beyond the arc. He also had 4 rebounds to supply some help for workaholic import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.
Castro, meanwhile, exploited the youthfulness of Ginebra’s RJ Abarrientos together with his witty moves on offense and got here up with 12 of his 14 points within the third quarter that allowed TNT to interrupt away after Ginebra tried to narrow the gap following the Tropang Giga’s hot start.
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“Their job was to essentially stabilize and benefit from the opportunities,” said Reyes. ““I assumed Poy played tremendous defense and it helped because we desired to keep Ginebra off the glass.
“Jayson saw the chance within the third quarter and credit to his teammates for affording him [the chance] and ensuring he was in the best places to attack.”
Game 2 on Wednesday
RR Pogoy and Rey Nambatac also stepped up as TNT continued to display the shape that led to eight wins in 10 games to top Group A and methodical triumphs over NLEX and Rain or Shine within the playoffs to get so far.
Game 2 is ready on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum because the Tropang Giga will look for tactics to realize a 2-0 lead against a Gin Kings side that may use the three-day break to make significant adjustments.
Hollis-Jefferson had 19 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and three blocks, Nambatac chipped in 18 in his first PBA Finals game and Pogoy added 12 for the Tropang Giga.
Justin Brownlee dropped 23 and Japeth Aguilar posted 14, but Ginebra was left to lament its flat start and having to play catch up the remainder of the best way.
The Gin Kings missed their first 18 shots from three-point land before ending the night with a 2-of-21 clip.
“We had pretty good practices leading as much as this game. I knew we were going to begin strong, but [we] also expected Ginebra to begin strong and I believe that was the difference, Reyes said” INQ
