TNT coach lauds bench players after crucial Game 4 win
At A Glance
- TNT flaunted its depth and got valuable contributions from its bench players to score a 108–92 win and seize a 3-1 lead over Rain or Shine in their best-of-seven semifinal series of the PBA Philippine Cup last Wednesday, July 2, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
TNT flaunted its depth and got valuable contributions from its bench players to score a 108–92 win and seize a 3-1 lead over Rain or Shine in their best-of-seven semifinal series of the PBA Philippine Cup last Wednesday, July 2, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Glenn Khobuntin fired 16 points off the bench while guys like Poy Erram and Kim Aurin all had significant numbers that helped alleviate the effect of injuries to Tropa's key players as the Grand Slam-seeking TNT moved one game away from returning to the Finals.
“The three of them were terrible in the first half, and we showed them the numbers. They were huge negatives in the first half,” said TNT coach Chot Reyes.
Reyes credited the trio especially Erram who stepped up big in the absence of Kelly Williams, who was out with a sprained ankle.
TNT’s core also rose to the occasion, with Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, Calvin Oftana, and Jordan Heading starring in the crucial victory.
The Elasto Painters have never won Game 4 for the past two semis encounters against the Tropang 5G, a trend that still haunts coach Yeng Guiao and the Elasto Painters.
TNT also finished off Rain or Shine in five games in each of their best-of-seven semis meetings this season. (ANGELO CAPARAS/INTERN)