Calvin Oftana impressed in his first game back after months to help lead NLEX to a successful 2022 PBA Philippine Cup debut on Wednesday.
The sophomore forward showed that he has recovered from the fractured finger he suffered early in the Governors’ Cup resumption last February, turning in 20 points and five rebounds as the Road Warriors beat Terrafirma, 105-102.
And that kind of performance was exactly what they missed in their semis clash versus Ginebra in the previous conference, coach Yeng Guiao said,
“Ang laking bagay ni Calvin,” said the champion mentor after the match at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
“On a good night, ‘yung bente kayang-kaya ni Calvin. So ‘yun ang na-miss namin against Ginebra in the semifinals series.”
Oftana himself regrets not being able to suit up for NLEX in that best-of-five affair, which lasted for four games. The former NCAA MVP felt that he could have helped his side fare better against the eventual champions.
“Hindi ko man masabi pero sa sarili ko talaga, I can help the team,” he said. “May maitutulong din ako sa maliliit na bagay — depensa, sa rebounding.”
But all that is in the past now, and his showing Wednesday is indeed an indication of what he can bring to the Road Warriors this season.
Proof of this was the assertiveness he displayed in their conquest of the Dyip, He poured 18 of his points in the final frame, helping his side to a successful comeback after being down by 16 points in the first half.
“Nag-adjust lang talaga ako sa second half kasi bad flow na talaga ‘yung nangyari sa first half ko,” he said as he only scored two in the first half.
“Kailangan ko lang mag-focus ulit, kasi kailangan din ng tulong ng team ko. We’re behind by 16 points sa first half. Luckily, nakapag-adjust.”
