Jayson Castro felt relieved Sunday night, as TNT Katropa prevented missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016 thanks to a masterful outing against Phoenix Fuel Masters to complete the 2018 Philippine Cup quarters cast.
The two-time best point guard in Asia asserted himself to help the Texters book the eighth and last playoff seat. Even if he came off the bench, the Blur nearly produced a triple-double of 17 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists in their 118-97 victory.
“Siyempre do-or-die game, parang kailangan ko lang makatulong sa team, especially off the bench ako,” said the 10-year league veteran, who shot an excellent 70 percent from the field and also racked up two steals.
However, a daunting challenge is on the horizon for Castro and the Texters.
TNT will be facing the reigning, three-time All-Filipino champions San Miguel Beermen in the quarterfinals. And what makes it even tougher is the fact that a loss on Tuesday, March 6, would be the end of their Philippine Cup campaign.
Tuesday’s bout would be another rematch for TNT and San Miguel, as both had fought twice in the playoffs last season: first in the 2017 Philippine Cup semifinals and second in the 2017 Commissioner’s Cup Finals. TNT lost in both occasions.
In this conference, the Katropa lost again to San Miguel due to their failure to maintain an early lead, 76-88, in an out-of-town clash in Iloilo.
But even if the odds aren’t seemingly in favor the flagship Manny V. Pangilinan-owned franchise, Castro remains steadfast, that they stand a chance against the best starting five — bannered by reigning, four-time MVP June Mar Fajardo — in the league.
“I think may chance naman kami kasi lagi namin silang nakakalaban sa semis,” said the 31-year-old Kapampangan. “So kailangan lang namin ma-execute yung offense namin kasi defensively maganda naman yung rotation namin.
“So, sana maging maganda ulit game namin.”
