Coach Nash Racela did find a way
In arguably the best all-around game they played all conference, the TNT Katropa held off every San Miguel Beermen comeback attempt, taking a victory to tie their semifinals series in the 2016-17 PBA Philippine Cup, Friday evening at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
This was the first time the Katropa defeated the Beermen since September 3, 2016. And there was little doubt from Racela and the Katropa that they can beat the San Miguel Beermen, a team that just lost for the second time this conference.
“Very little [doubt],” Racela, who is in his first conference as TNT mentor, said. “Sa amin, that’s why ang sabi ko last game na ‘we will find away.’ It was not just for me but also to my coaching staff and also my players. They helped me a lot.”
And it was defense that paved the way for TNT’s breakthrough win in the series.
With San Miguel down 85-87 with 5.3 seconds to go, TNT taking away Alex Cabagnot from the play and successfully double-teaming Arwind Santos on the corner as time expired to seal the win.
“It’s hard for a coach to design a play on the defensive end. We made sure Cabagnot won’t have an attempt and we took our chance. The players were able to make,” Racela reflected.
It was TNT’s combination of youth and experience that led the way for TNT. Gilas pool members Roger Pogoy and Jayson Castro scored 11 and 10 points respectively, both scoring six points in the pivotal final frame.
The two helped buckle a furious 13-2 Beermen run that gave San Miguel an 82-80 lead with 2:36 remaining. The two scored four points in a 6-0 counter run to stop TNT’s bleeding.
“We expected this kind of a ball game na hindi parang Game One na malaki lamang ng San Miguel sa amin,” Racela said about the Katropa, who almost wasted an 11-point fourth quarter lead, 75-64, with 8:54 left.
Behind June Mar Fajardo and Alex Cabagnot — the latter fouled while attempting a three-pointer, San Miguel was able to cut the lead down to 85-87 with 53 seconds remaining. TNT though was able to make the clutch stops, including a huge stand against Fajardo.
“Good things the players we’re locked in on the defensive game plan. The players were able to do it and adjust in a quick way,” Racela shared.
Troy Rosario, who went scoreless during Game One, paced TNT in the first three quarters with 15 points and five rebounds. Ranidel de Ocampo added 13 points and 13 rebounds while rookie Mo Tautuaa added 12 points and nine boards.
And the three, together with Kelly Williams, helped limit June Mar Fajardo who had 25 points on 8-of-14 shooting, 11 rebounds, and seven blocks.
“Kelly is locked in. Ang maganda is it started during the Globalport series. He studies the game plan and he understand what we are trying to do. But it’s not just Kelly, it’s a team effort. Mo [Tautuaa] did his part, “Racela commented.
Alex Cabagnot scored 24 points but was just 8-of-18 from the field as San Miguel shot a combined 38 percent from the field and a horrid 7-of-26 from distance.
Game Three of this best-of-seven series takes place on Sunday, February 12 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
The Scores:
TNT 87 – Rosario 14, De Ocampo 13, Tautuaa 12, Pogoy 11, Castro 10, Fonacier 10, Williams 9, Rosser 5, Rosales 3, Golla 0, Reyes 0, Seigle 0.
San Miguel 85 – Fajardo 25, Cabagnot 24, Santos 9, Espinas 8, Lassiter 8, Agovida 7, Ross 4, De Ocampo 0, Garcia 0, Reyes 0, Tubid 0.
Quarterscores: 20-15, 42-33, 65-59, 87-85.
