The score may say otherwise, but Game Two of the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup Finals was a tight affair in the eyes of TNT head coach Chot Reyes.
“Well, for me, this was a close game,” offered the champion mentor after their 105-93 conquest of Magnolia at the Don Honorio Ventura State University Gym, Friday night. “The game was a lot closer than the score indicated.”
That marked yet another double-digit victory for the Tropang Giga after dealing the Hotshots a harsh 88-70 beatdown in the series opener last Wednesday. That game even saw them enjoy a lead as high as 32 points.
But while they hardly encountered any serious threat from the opposition in that match, Friday night’s clash went differently.
Reyes’ charges were able to lead by 21 points, 57-36, in the second half, thanks mainly to a record-setting shooting display. They buried 13 of their 17 three-pointers in the first half. However, they nearly lost it.
Ian Sangalang led the way despite an injured back. And with him, Magnolia was able to come within just four, 86-90, with 7:39 left to play.
Mikey Williams, however, was there to stop them on their tracks. He hit a three-pointer to lead a quick 7-0 run to restore order. Jayson Castro, shortly after, helped out in applying the finishing touches to seal the W.
Reyes said that their first-half shooting was of great help in averting disaster. “It just so happened, I think, that we shot very well in the first half,” he said.
Now, the entire Tropa are expecting another close match in Game Three on Sunday – the same way they think of each game in the series.
“We expect a close game every single game in this series,” he said.
“We’re not going to change that expectation going to Game Three.”
And their objective remains the same for the crucial match ahead. “We have to be better,” said the 58-year-old bench tactician.
“Our whole focus today was to be better than we were in Game One. I think we were able to do it in the first half but in the second half, it left a lot to be desired. So we need to go back and take a look, and just endeavor to be better in Game Three.”
