RR Pogoy helps the TNT Tropang 5G keep their foot on the gas pedal in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup.
It was one of those games where RR Pogoy just could not seem to miss.
Well, at least in the fourth quarter of TNT’s 101-84 win over Meralco in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Sunday, May 11.
Pogoy made all but one of his six field goals to punch in 16 points in the payoff period as the Tropang 5G picked up their third straight win in six games.
[ALSO READ: Mom, My No. 1: RR Pogoy shares what his mother has done for his basketball dreams]
On his own, he bettered the offensive output of the Bolts in the said frame, as the Meralco quintet sputtered with just 12.
Pogoy totaled 34 points, including five three-pointers. He also had three rebounds, an assist and a steal.
“Coming to this game, focus ko lang palagi is depensa lang talaga. Susunod lang 'yong offense. Ilang games na nga, ilan lang 'yong points ko. Basta ang focus ko, depensa,” Pogoy said after the match at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
“Grateful, blessed na pumapasok 'yong mga tira ko. Basta every game, defense talaga 'yong focus.”
[ALSO READ: Mom, My No. 1: Rey Nambatac grateful for ever-supportive mother]
His rhythm, though, started with a dressing-down from TNT coach Chot Reyes following a turnover he committed.
“Oo, naramdaman ko noong pinagalitan ako ni coach. Kasi 'yong pasa ko, sobrang lakas. So kailangan kong bumawi. Kailangan kong maging leader as a beterano sa team,” Pogoy said.
“May nagawa akong mali. Iniisip ko kasi ipasa doon kasi alam kong dino-double ako. Pero mali 'yong technique ko. Pinagalitan ako ni coach. Sinabihan akong, 'Ano bang ginagawa mo?' Pumasok sa isip kong pagpasok ko ulit, babawi ako. Tuluy-tuloy na."
But it wasn’t just Pogoy who keyed the victory for TNT, which started with a dismal 0-3 mark in the conference.
Calvin Oftana scored over 20 points for the third straight game, logging 28. He spiked this with five rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block.
Rey Nambatac added 13 points and five rebounds.
“More than the record, I think we’re seeing improvements on both sides of the ball, on defense and offense,” said Reyes.
Meanwhile, the Bolts slipped back to the loser’s column and dropped to a 3-4 slate.
Cliff Hodge had a highly charged night on offense with 23, but it did little to help Meralco turn things around.
Chris Newsome finished with 18 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Aaron Black had 15 points, seven rebounds, and two assists.
TNT vs Meralco Scores:
TNT 101 – Pogoy 34, Oftana 28, Nambatac 13, Erram 10, Khobuntin 6, Williams 6, Enciso 4, Heruela 0, Varilla 0, Aurin 0.
MERALCO 84 – Hodge 23, Newsome 18, Black 15, Almazan 12, Quinto 11, Banchero 3, Cansino 2, Bates 0, Jose 0, Maguliano 0, Rios 0.
Quarterscores: 14-19, 45-40, 69-72, 101-84.