Roger Pogoy was a large part of why the Magnolia Hotshots’ debut in the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup did not go the way they’d wanted on Sunday night.
The 6-foot-2 guard scored five of TNT KaTropa’s eight points in overtime, including the turnaround jumper with 29.9 seconds left that proved to be the dagger that led to their 80-75 win.
His big shot was the most memorable in his team-high 26 points for the KaTropa. Meanwhile, TNT have now improved to 3-3 – good for solo fourth in the team standings.
But Pogoy played down his shot.
“Hindi naman dahil lang yun sa dagger ko.
“Tulungan naman, lalo na dun sa good pass ni kuya Jayson [Castro] para mag-overtime,” said the third-year pro out of Far Eastern University, who also had eight boards.
Pogoy was referring to the pass by Jayson Castro to Troy Rosario, which led to the latter sinking a one-hander to make it 72-all with 2.1 seconds left in regulation.
Castro was impressive as well, as he produced 24 points, five rebounds, and four assists.
Pogoy’s 26-point outing is his best one after he’d cooled down in their last two games. But that’s the least of his concerns, since his main goal is to be steady on defense and rebounding.
“Sa totoo lang ‘di din talaga ako sanay na scorer talaga eh, kasi defensive player nga ako. ‘Di ako consistent sa score. Pero kailangan consistent ako sa depensa tsaka sa rebound,” the 26-year-old swingman.
“Yan ang nasa isip ko palagi.”
The KaTropa have now beaten two of the San Miguel teams early in the conference, following their Magnolia conquest. And for Pogoy, their victories bring TNT plenty of confidence.
“Malaking bagay yun sa’min. Nagbibigay kumpiyansa sa’min na yung mga malalakas na team yung natalo namin.”
