SMART CLARK GIGA CITY — TNT now has the luxury of time after becoming an early entrant to the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup semifinals. The Tropang GIGA did not waste their win-one playoff incentive versus Alaska Aces, Saturday.
TNT blew out the sixth-seeded Aces with a 104-83 triumph. It is the second team next to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel to reach the penultimate stage, which commences on Wednesday.
With that, the flagship MVP Group franchise can better prepare for their next opponents. They face the winner of the Phoenix Super LPG-Magnolia bracket that is taking place as of this publishing.
“We have to be ready for both teams this coming semis. Buti na lang, meron pa kaming time,” said head coach Bong Ravena.
Aside from that, a longer break bodes well in terms of recovery for the players, particularly for the main man Jayson Castro.
The 34-year-old has been dealing with a nagging calf injury this season. He even sat out some games, including their elimination round finale versus Rain or Shine. He still played versus Alaska, although for a limited time only.
Castro saw action for just 17 minutes and 35 seconds, but he was still of help as he made eight points, five assists, two rebounds, and two assists.
Prior to the playoffs, the decorated floor general had averages of 18.4 points, 5.11 dimes, 3.4 boards, and 1.7 steals in nine games he played for TNT, who finished with a 7-4 record and clinched the third seed.
“Buti na lang nama-manage namin ‘yung playing time niya. Depende kasi dun sa nararamdaman niya eh,” Ravena said.
“Hopefully this semis, [since] we have time, maka-recover ulit siya and the others.”
