There was nothing really spectacular about Saturday’s quarterfinal game between TNT Katropa and Phoenix but Jayson Castro’s performance.
The 30 year old floor general, who is averaging 21.5 points per game, saved his best performance of the season in the Katropa’s opening salvo in the playoffs – dropping a season-high 42 points, 40 in the first three quarters, on top of four rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
Thanks to his mammoth effort, TNT eked out a 136-124 win over Phoenix to book a free ride to the semifinals of the season-ending PBA Governors’ Cup at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City, Saturday evening.
It was just another day in the office for the leading candidate for the Best Player of the Conference crown. But still he remained humble.
“Wala naman, kasi gusto ko lang maging aggressive,” said Asia’s top point guard in the aftermath of the victory.
“Kasi yun nga parang opportunity na namin to para makabalik sa semis so yun lang yung nafee-feel ko na kailangan ko pakita sa teammates ko na aggressive ako so lahat maging aggressive.”
Indeed, the three-time BPOC’s energy rubbed off on his teammates as five other Katropa finished in double figures. In fact, even without him on the court, TNT’s offense remained as fluid in the fourth period.
Beside Jayson Castro, five other Katropas scored in double-figures last Saturday (PBA Images)
Instead of celebrating the feat, Castro has his mind set on the next challenge: facing the Meralco Bolts and former teammate Jimmy Alapag in the best-of-five semifinal series which starts on Tuesday.
“Sobrang excited ako kasi yun nga, isa siya sa mga nag-ano sa akin kung bakit ganito yung naging nilalaro ko, tsaka yung mga advice niya sakin,” he shared.
“Hanggang ngayon, kasi close naman kami ni Jimmy. Sobrang happy ako na makalaro sila sa semis, at least isa samin makapunta ng Finals.”
