At A Glance
- Aside from Pogoy's stellar defense, he also delivered a game-high 30 points including 12 in the final quarter to push the series to a knockout game against the Hotshots on Saturday, June 21, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
By ANGELO CAPARAS
Intern
RR Pogoy proved that defense is the deadliest offense.
The reliable shooting guard ensured that TNT’s Grand Slam hopes stayed alive after picking Zav Lucero’s pocket in the clutch with 3.2 seconds left in Game 1 of their PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinal duel against Magnolia last Wednesday, June 18, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Leading by the slimmest of margins, 89-88, the Cebuano pride locked down on Lucero who received an inbound pass from Rome dela Rosa, with Pogoy swiping the ball and preventing the Hotshots star from pulling up for a jumper on the right corner which could have altered the result of the match.
“‘Yung mindset ko lang this game is ayaw ko magpatalo, ayaw ko magbakasyon,” said the veteran gunner during the post-game press conference.
Aside from Pogoy’s stellar defense, he also delivered a game-high 30 points including 12 in the final quarter to push the series to a knockout game against the Hotshots on Saturday, June 21, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
TNT head coach Chot Reyes' words of wisdom surely inspired the players to keep themselves alive in the playoffs.
“Palagi naman ‘yun pag nagagalit na si coach, ‘pag nagtatanong na kung ano ang gusto namin, the next game, parang added fuel. Lahat gustong magpakamatay. Ganun palagi. Minsan kasi pinapabayaan kami, eh nagre-relax. Kapag nagalit na si coach, talagang magigising ka,” Pogoy added.
Pogoy also pointed out that their ability to read Magnolia’s defensive schemes became a turning point, especially after a turnover-heavy performance in their elimination clash last Friday, June 13, which the Hotshots won, 88-83.