Calvin Oftana is hopeful that the TNT Tropang 5G's breakthrough would be the start of something great for the Grand Slam-seeking squad in the PBA PH Cup.
Coming into the game against San Miguel on Sunday, May 4, Calvin Oftana knew what he needed to do to help TNT get over the slump.
Get more rebounds.
Oftana did that and more in the Tropang 5G’s 89-84 triumph over the Beermen in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup.
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The TNT gunner finished with a whopping career-high 21 rebounds on top of 23 points and six assists as the Tropang 5G arrested a harrowing 0-3 start.
“Wala na si Rondae (Hollis-Jefferson), wala na 'yong shot blocker namin at saka magre-rebound sa'min,” Oftana said after the match at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
“Having said that, 'yon ang sinulat ko sa board namin. Coach asked us kung ano ang maiko-contribute namin. Coach Josh (Reyes) reminded me na mag-contribute kami ni Roger (Pogoy) sa rebounding kasi the more na makaka-rebound kami, the more na makokontrol namin ang laro.”
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Better quality of sleep after a nightmare start to the conference — the first for TNT since the 2000 All-Filipino — contributed to his stellar outing, added Oftana in jest.
He then proceeded to appreciate the effort of the rest of the Tropang 5G.
“Thankful lang akong nanalo kami. Nag-show up ang lahat, lalo sa depensa. Credit to our bench players," said Oftana.
Turning serious, Oftana said that TNT has its work cut out if it wants to sustain this level of play.
“Career-high ko sa rebound pero I’m not looking for that. I’m just happy na nanalo na kami this conference. Hopefully, ma-sustain namin ito the rest of our games,” he said.