SMART CLARK GIGA CITY--Troy Rosario finally regained his old form when TNT needed it the most.
Rosario pumped in 15 points on a brilliant 7-of-9 shooting from the field to help the Tropang Giga pummel the Barangay Ginebra Kings, 88-67, in Game Three of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals on Friday night at the AUF Arena.
The Gilas Pilipinas forward also tallied three rebounds, two blocks and a steal in 33 minutes of play as TNT avoided a deep hole and closed within 1-2 in the best-of-seven title series.
"Sobrang importante (na mabalik ang dati kong laro) kasi ayaw namin maging down ng 0-3. If ever mangyari 'yun, ang hirap nang makabalik sa deficit na 'yun," said Rosario.
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"Nagpapasalamat ako at sobrang happy ako na ibang Troy Rosario 'yung nagpakita ngayon."
Rosario posted decent norms of 12.27 points and 8.09 boards in the eliminations but his scoring average took a dip down to 6.6 markers and even had a 0-of-6 shooting night during their five-game semifinal clash against Phoenix.
The 28-year-old cager also struggled in the first two games in the finals as he only had 9.5 points.
Rosario said the Tropang Giga's strong sense of urgency pushed them to put up a better fight in Game Three.
"'Yung down kami nang 0-2, parang ang hirap nang isipin eh. Pero kailangan lumaban," said the former National University stalwart.
"Gaya ng taon na 'to, nagsimula tayo sa mahirap, ang daming struggles. Gaya rin ng bubble na 'to, bago tayo makarating dito, ang dami rin natin pinagdaanan. Kailangan lang natin talaga to fight through it."