Many who watched Sunday’s 2019 PBA Philippine Cup match between the TNT KaTropa and the debuting Magnolia Hotshots argued that Jayson Castro had committed a traveling violation in a crucial part of the hard-fought clash.
Castro allegedly traveled ,as his pivot foot moved after he had decided to pass out of his shot. He then located Troy Rosario near the rim, who sank a one-hander to make it 72-all and eventually sent the game into an extra period.
But for the 10-year veteran, some things are beyond his control.
“Hindi ko na job ‘yun. Job ng mga referee ‘yun.”
Castro is unconcerned with the allegation, since his TNT won, 80-75, to go up 3-3 for solo fourth in the standings. Moreover, the multi-time champion tipped his hat to Rosario for that OT-sending shot; and to Roger Pogoy, who took over in OT by scoring five of the KaTropa’s eight points – including the turnaround jumper with 29 seconds left that served as the dagger.
“Oo kasi ‘yun nga, alam ko naman na ako ‘yung inaasahan nila na tumira. Pero ‘yun nga, sabi ko kay Troy na maging ready siya. So ayun. Buti na-shoot ni Troy,” shared Castro of the 6-foot-7 Rosario, who finished with 15 points.
“Sinasabi ko sa kanya na eto ‘yung time para ipakita mo na ‘yun nga, nagma-mature na siya,” added Castro of Pogoy, who led TNT with 26 points. “Kasi before may mga time na parang natatakot pa siyang kumuha ng mga bola.
“Pero kanina, ‘yun nga ‘yung mga dying seconds sabi ko sa kanya, sa’yo na ‘to. So ayun, na-shoot naman niya.”
TNT have been on a roll so far in the all-Filipino joust, especially after they started with back-to-back losses. Moreover, two of their wins came at the expense of San Miguel and Magnolia – last season’s Philippine Cup finalists.
For Castro, he hopes that Sunday’s win will propel them to where they want to be.
“Sana ito na ‘yung win na magdadala sa amin kung saan kami gusto pumunta, which is ‘yung playoffs.”
