Jayson Castro put up a vintage performance in a frantic finish in Game 3 that saw TNT escaping Magnolia, 93-92, on the veteran point guard’s desperation trey in the waning seconds of the game.
Like what he was casually doing back in his good, old days with TNT and Gilas Pilipinas, Castro had ice on his veins and nailed the game-winner with three seconds left to play – a last gasp retaliation after Mark Barroca put Magnolia ahead in the final 10 seconds.
“For me either shoot or miss yun, good shot pa rin para sa amin kasi yun na yung binigay ng defense nila so as a veteran kailangan kong itira yun at the same time kailangang kailan namin manalo sa game na ito,” said Castro after the game.
Despite having a prolific scorer in Mikey Williams, the Tropang Giga went with Castro in the final play, something that the veteran playmaker was quick to play down.
“Siguro yung kumpyansa pa rin sila na kaya kong magpanalo ng game, at the same time natapat lang din,” said Castro.
TNT head coach Chot Reyes however revealed the final play didn’t happen by coincidence as he really wanted to have the ball in Castro's hands in the dying seconds.
“In the huddle, we spoke briefly about our defense but we focused on our offense and what we were going to do. Whatever happens, whether Magnolia scored or not, we have to score. That was run exactly the way we wanted it,” said Reyes.
“Quick inbound to Jayson and then, the bigs giving him a screen, looking for opportunity and shooters filling the corner. Again, it turned out to be a good play because Jayson made the shot.”
Castro and the Tropang Giga now shift their focus in the pivotal Game 4 where a win for TNT will have the defending champions on cusp of a return trip to the finals.
“Series ito. Game of adjustments, magaling din naman yung Magnolia. Kaya sila laging nasa playoffs, nasa finals, defensive team sila. Maganda lang marami kaming nakita ngayon na pwede namin iadjust sa next game na alam namin makakatulong sa amin.”