Even without import Glen Rice, Jr., the TNT Katropa were still poised to upend the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in Game Four, especially when they were able to post a huge 18-point lead early in the match’s third canto.
But then, the Texters could only do so much. The 26-year-old’s absence was greatly missed come the final minutes, and a meltdown suddenly took place. And as the buzzer sounded, TNT’s season had been put to an end.
“Pagdating ng fourth quarter naubos kami,” lamented Katropa star Jayson Castro, moments after their 105-115 defeat where he scattered 26 points, seven boards, and nine dimes, Sunday night at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
“Nawala kami.”
The 31-year-old admitted that the fourth quarter collapse — where they were firing blanks — was all due to fatigue. But the soft-spoken point guard also confessed that Rice, Jr.’s ejection was a major factor that led to the defeat.
“Imagine parang last game siya nagbuhat sa’min and then this game first quarter pa lang wala ng import,” said the Blur, talking about the American reinforcement’s Game Three outing where he unloaded 44 points.
But despite the loss, the six-time champion is still satisfied with the way he and the Katropa played until the end. “Para sa’kin good game pa rin yung kanina.
“‘Di kami sumuko, lumaban kami despite wala kaming import,” said Castro, who averaged 17.67 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 6.13 assists this conference.
And regarding the Katropa’s campaign this season — where they bagged two semis appearances and a title match, all the while under new coach Nash Racela — the nine-year veteran had nothing but good things to say.
“This conference maganda pa rin yung pinakita namin despite yung mga nangyari,” said Castro. “Kasi during elimination, naalala ko pang-sixth or seventh kami pero nakapag-four straight wins kami. Then dun na nagstart mag-worry yung ibang teams, given na ang daming nangyari — yung kay Ranidel and nagpalit ng import.
“Good conference pa rin sa’kin to kasi nakita ko naggrow yung mga teammate ko like Troy [Rosario], Mo [Tautuaa], tsaka Roger [Pogoy],” added the nine-year veteran.
“Hopefully All-Filipino maka-tawid na kami.”
