TNT found itself facing another tough test given by Converge as the two squads met once more in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup on Sunday night.
Fortunately for the Tropang Giga, they have one of their elder statesmen to lean on – and show how much they’ve learned from their previous encounter.
On the precipice of a meltdown, Jayson Castro bailed them out with a booming trifecta heading into the final minute to push their lead to 96-91 after the opposition stormed back from 21 down and got to within just two points.
The reigning conference champions won, 98-91, for its third straight win. They also created a tie with Meralco on top of the Group A standings.
“As a veteran, ‘yung trust ng mga teammates ko sa’kin, especially Coach Chot na ibigay sa’kin ‘yung play na ‘yun – kailangan kong gumawa ng paraan para makapag-execute,” said Castro after the game at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
(c) PBA Images
That win served as a payback so sweet for everyone in TNT after falling through a 96-95 decision back in their first meeting last August 27.
There, the Tropa built a 16-point lead at one point but lost it, with Scotty Hopson delivering the league’s first game-winning four with four seconds left.
That collapse almost happened on Sunday night, when Deschon Winston and Jeo Ambohot pulled Converge up from a massive deficit.
Then again, Castro proved to be the difference time and again, eventually finishing with 14 points, five rebounds, and three assists in 27 minutes.
But more than exacting vengeance, what bore more weight for the five-time BPC is the experience from this victory, offering that they need games such as Sunday’s as part of their preparations for the playoffs.
“Isang way [ito] para ma-test ‘yung character ng team,” Castro said. “Kasi we’re up by 16 and then second half, nakahabol sila. Magandang test para sa amin ‘to para pagdating ng playoffs, dadalhin namin ‘to.”
