TNT forward Calvin Oftana in Game 3 of the PBA Finals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines – TNT forward Calvin Oftana lamented Tropang Giga’s poor shot selection in their Game 3 loss to the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings in the PBA Governors’ Cup final on Friday.
It was a close encounter with TNT only trailing by three until the final frame, where Ginebra tightened his defensive screws and managed to pull away and avoid falling into a 3-0 hole in the series.
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“That was our problem in the fourth round, our shots were forced,” said Oftana.
READ: PBA Finals: Pogoy and TNT get a dose of their own medicine in Game 3 loss
“I don’t know if I didn’t open up or if my teammates didn’t see me, but I know them. I know they know we had to take those forced shots because we were chasing the lead.”
The Tropang Giga struggled to get going in the fourth quarter, where they only scored 14 points.
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“You really can’t just sweep Ginebra knowing they have a good coach, a good coaching staff and good players. We’ll just get ready for Game 4,” said Oftana, who scored nine points on 3-of-11 shooting from the field.
READ: PBA Finals: Ginebra plays strong on both ends, cutting TNT’s lead to 2-1
A sharpshooter during TNT’s run in the import-laden conference’s double-round tournament, Oftana faced difficulties on the field, sinking just three of his 11 attempts from the field.
Even on a cold night, Oftana knows his confidence will be the driving force behind his excellent performance again in Sunday’s fourth game.
“I just have to be confident. If I’m open, I have to make it count because open looks are a rarity against Ginebra. I get shots in practice because I know it’s going to come out the way it is (in the game).”
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