TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (with ball) struggled to score against the Ginebra defense. But the Tropang Giga found other guys who could secure a win in Game 1. –AUGUST DELA CRUZ
Poy Erram’s composure and Jayson Castro’s experience benefited TNT, which gained a lead over Barangay Ginebra in the PBA Governors’ Cup final.
Their contributions on Sunday night in front of a packed crowd at the Ynares Center here in Antipolo City were crucial to the Tropang Giga’s 104-88 victory, which set the tone for what could be a thrilling contest in the best-of-seven title series.
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“They are veterans and know what to do in such situations,” said coach Chot Reyes after the Tropang Giga got off to a hot start and slowly ended any chances of a Gin Kings comeback in the second half before a stadium record of 11,021 fans were set up.
Erram vowed to be mentally prepared not only for the opponent but also for Ginebra’s supporters, whom he reassured with 15 points without missing any of his six attempts, including two from outside the arc. He also had four rebounds to give workaholic import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson some help.
Castro, meanwhile, took advantage of Ginebra’s RJ Abarrientos’ youth with his witty offensive maneuvers, scoring 12 of his 14 points in the third quarter that allowed TNT to pull away as Ginebra tried to close the gap following Tropang Giga’s hot start.
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“Their job was to really stabilize and take advantage of the opportunities,” Reyes said. “I thought Poy played great defense and that helped because we wanted to keep Ginebra off the glass.
“Jayson recognized the opportunity in the third quarter and thanked his teammates for giving him (the chance) and making sure he was in the right spots to attack.”
Game 2 on Wednesday
RR Pogoy and Rey Nambatac also improved as TNT continued to show the form that led to eight wins in ten games at the top of Group A and methodical triumphs over NLEX and Rain or Shine in the playoffs to reach this point.
Game 2 takes place on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum as the Tropang Giga will look for opportunities to take a 2-0 lead against a Gin Kings side that will use the three-day break to make significant adjustments.
Hollis-Jefferson had 19 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and three blocks, Nambatac contributed 18 in his first PBA Finals game and Pogoy added 12 for the Tropang Giga.
Justin Brownlee dropped 23 and Japeth Aguilar had 14, but Ginebra had to complain about the slow start and the need to make up the rest of the way.
The Gin Kings missed their first 18 shots from three-point land before finishing the night 2-of-21.
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“We had some pretty good training sessions leading up to this game. “I knew we were going to start strong, but (we) also expected Ginebra to start strong, and I think that was the difference,” Reyes said.” INQ