TNT appeared to have taken control of Game Four of its 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup semifinal battle versus the Meralco Bolts on Saturday after scoring 15 straight points for a hot 17-4 start.
But the opposition slowly clawed its way back afterwards. Then come the second period, the Bolts regained the lead, 44-42, following Chris Newsome’s three-pointers with 3:11 on the clock.
The momentum had then shifted to Meralco, and TNT never had an opportunity to take back the driver’s seat. Eventually, the Texters absorbed a 95-83 defeat.
For forward Troy Rosario, the KaTropa’s “gigil” played a factor in the loss that pushed the series to a Game Five.
“Parang ganun na nga. Nalamangan kami, gusto namon parang bawiin agad eh,” said Rosario, who had 15 points.
“Sobrang gusto namin makalamang ulit, parang nawala na kami sa sistema.”
Another problem for the KaTropa was Allen Durham, who has really been a thorn on their side this semis.
The two-time Best Import had 36 points, including 10 in the final period alone where the Bolts pulled away en route to the 12-point win. He also collected 13 rebounds and five assists.
Rosario knows that it’s impossible to completely shut down the American bruiser, so he hopes that they can at least limit him in Game Five on Monday, December 23, still at Ynares Center.
“Hindi mo naman maiistop talaga yan si Allen. Next game sana malimit namin yung touches niya,” he said.
Asked where they should adjust in the do-or-die, where the winner will face Ginebra in the Finals, Rosario said that it’s rebounds. The Texters badly lost the battle of the boards, 38-52.
“Well, ‘yung rebounding namin. ‘Pag nanalo kami ng rebounding, sigurado mananalo kami.”
