Calvin Oftana says Tropang 5G trying to ‘build our own brand of TNT’

Calvin Oftana is slowly becoming the main man for the TNT squad that is missing injured star Jayson Castro and super import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.

 When that was brought up to him after he emerged as back-to-back Player of the Game, Oftana simply flashed his infectious smile before deflecting the credit to his teammates.

 “Ever since, hindi ko inisip 'yon. Back-to-back Player of the Game has nothing to do with me being the face ng Talk N Text,” Oftana said after steering the Tropang 5G to a second consecutive victory in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Friday, May 9.

 “We have Jayson Castro; we have RR Pogoy; we have Kelly Williams.”

[ALSO READ: Mom, My No. 1: RR Pogoy shares what his mother has done for his basketball dreams]

But while he is humble enough to shun the spotlight, his performances in the past two games suggested otherwise.

 In the Tropang 5G's 110-74 win against the beleaguered Dyip, Oftana wound up with 22 points, four rebounds, an assist and three blocks.

 Before that, he posted 23 points and 21 rebounds against no less than perennial All-Filipino conference contender San Miguel.

 But Oftana, a candidate for the Best Player of the Conference award in the recent Commissioner’s Cup, maintained that collective effort keyed the team’s second straight victory after a 0-3 start.

After all, Poy Erram put up a stellar outing with 19 points and four rebounds; Rey Nambatac finished with 12 points, four rebounds and three assists; while Kim Aurin and RR Pogoy added 11 and 10 points, respectively, as their contributions.

 “Importante lang sa'kin is maglaro kami every game with intensity at determination na manalo lagi. Ang pinakaimportante sa akin is manalo lang kami,” Oftana said.

 “We’re trying to build our own brand of Talk n Text right now, not having Jayson and Rondae in our roster.”

[ALSO READ: Mom, My No. 1: Rey Nambatac grateful for ever-supportive mother]

 While TNT is on an upward trajectory, the Dyip crashed to their fifth straight loss after a triumphant opener.

 Louie Sangalang paced the beleaguered franchise with 16 points and 16 boards. He also had two assists but turned the ball over six times.

 Mark Nonoy added 16 points, three rebounds, an assist and two steals.

 TNT vs Terrafirma Scores:

 TNT 110 – Oftana 22, Erram 19, Nambatac 12, Aurin 11, Pogoy 10, Payawal 9, Khobuntin 9, Williams 7, Varilla 5, Heruela 3, Ebona 3, Razon 0, Enciso 0.

 TERRAFIRMA 74 – Sangalang 16, Nonoy 16, Pringle 12, Ramos 10, Catapusan 9, Ferrer 7, Hanapi 3, Hernandez 1, Zaldivar 0, Olivario 0, Melecio 0, Paraiso 0.

 Quarterscores: 31-18, 51-35, 88-52, 110-74.