Don Trollano admitted that he wanted to get 50 points as his present to Asi Taulava in NLEX’s PBA Governors’ Cup duel with Terrafirma, Thursday night.
The 2003 Most Valuable Player was celebrating his 50th birthday (March 2). And he told the seasoned forward to score that much as he appeared on pace to do so after notching 41 points inside the game’s first three quarters.
“Actually sinabihan ako ni Kuya Asi na, ‘Go get 50,’ kasi birthday niya ngayon e, para sa kanya,” said the soft-spoken pro.
He was not, however, able to reach the mark and finished with 44 points.
“I’m trying to get 50, but minalas na nung huli,” said Trollano with a laugh.
Nevertheless, he submitted one of the most spectacular performances this season. Trollano served as the headline of the Road Warriors’ 142-125 victory over the Dyip, which further boosted their chances of finishing in the Top Four.
It was, furthermore, a record-setting night for the Adamson product.
His output is already the most in a game among locals in team history, and the fifth-most overall after the 69 and 50 of Al Thornton in 2016 and 2015; and the 45 of both Henry Walker and Manny Harris in 2016 and 2019, respectively.
It also equaled the season-high for a local, first set by Robert Bolick in NorthPort’s 101-95 overtime win versus Meralco last September 30.
Trollano shot a career-high and a franchise-record nine triples – all consecutive. That now stands as the all-time league record, eclipsing the eight of all-time greats Allan Caidic, Renren Ritualo, and Von Pessumal.
He contributed hugely to NLEX’s 23 treys, which tied the PBA’s all-time three-pointers made record set by San Miguel and TNT (twice).
Asked if there was something he had done out of the ordinary prior to the Dyip match, Trollano humbly responded with a few words.
“Nothing special,” he said, smiling. “Swerte lang.”
All that Trollano really wanted is for the Road Warriors to win for their Top Four aspirations, which they accomplished impressively. They’ve now gone 7-3, and have kept their spot at no. 4 in the team standings.
“Kailangan din talaga namin manalo. Crucial ‘yung game na ‘to, we’re trying to get to the Top Four para may twice-to-beat,” said the 31-year-old. “Kung matalo kami, baka ‘yung chance namin, bumaba.”
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The second game of each PBA gameday is live-streamed on SMART Sports.
