Released by TNT at the end of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup, Almond Vosotros made his comeback for the Tropang 5G.
Almond Vosotros could not help but be excited for a planned trip to Japan next week.
A call from TNT changed that.
With their backcourt getting thinner with the injuries to Jayson Castro and Rey Nambatac, and with third-string playmaker Jielo Razon undergoing surgery for appendicitis, the Tropang 5G needed Vosotros’ services anew.
Released by TNT at the end of the Commissioner’s Cup, Vosotros made immediate impact in his return Friday, May 30.
Though Vosotros finished with only 12 points, his three triples in the second period sparked a 13-1 TNT blitz for a 33-21 cushion, which later became an easy 94-70 decision against NorthPort in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup.
“Kinancel niya 'yon (Japan trip) just to have this opportunity. This is really a big sacrifice for him, and we’re very thankful,” said Tropang 5G coach Chot Reyes said.
[ALSO READ: Mom, My No. 1: RR Pogoy shares what his mother has done for his basketball dreams]
For his part, Vosotros said he’s simply making the most of his second chance.
“Unang-una, thankful ako sa opportunity. Nag-thank you ako kay coach Chot at sa lahat ng coaching staff na nabigyan ako ng second chance,” said the former PBA 3x3 star.
It was Calvin Oftana, though, who produced a team-high 15 points for the Grand Slam aspirants. He also hauled down 10 boards for a double-double night.
RR Pogoy added 13 markers, five boards and six assists as the Tropang 5G rolled to a fifth straight victory for a 5-3 tally.
The Batang Pier, who has lost star Arvin Tolentino to the Korean Basketball League, continued their slide to obscurity with a 1-7 mark.
[ALSO READ: NorthPort star Arvin Tolentino bolts to KBL, signs with Seoul SK Knights]
They have also yet to parade newly acquired Calvin Abueva.
[ALSO READ: PBA: No NorthPort debut yet for Calvin Abueva vs TNT]
Joshua Munzon, who was one-third of what was once a formidable trio with Tolentino and William Navarro, paced NorthPort with 20 points, four rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks.
TNT vs. NorthPort scores:
TNT 94 – Oftana 15, Pogoy 13, Vosotros 12, Erram 11, Enciso 11, Williams 11, Aurin 7, Ganuelas-Rosser 5, Khobuntin 4, Heruela 4, Ebona 1, Varilla 0, Payawal 0, Exciminiano.
NORTHPORT 70 – Munzon 20, Flores 9, Balanza 9, Cuntapay 7, Bulanadi 5, Jalalon 5, Onwubere 4, Yu 4, Nelle 3, Kwekuteye 2, Nava 2, Taha 0.
Quarterscores: 20-18, 52-32, 70-49, 94-70.