Injury-hit Calvin Oftana had no other recourse but to play to help the TNT Tropang 5G hold on to their Grand Slam aspirations in the PBA Philippine Cup.
There was still pain and swelling in Calvin Oftana's right ankle when he saw action in TNT's quarterfinal duel against Magnolia in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Wednesday, June 18.
Oftana sustained the injury against the same foe when they met in the eliminations just five days ago. The Tropang 5G lost, 83-88, as the Hotshots went on to claim a twice-to-beat incentive.
With their Grand Slam bid on the line, Oftana opted to play through it.
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His resilience was rewarded with an 89-88 victory that force the sudden death against Magnolia for a semifinal berth.
“May pain pa. Nandoon pa rin 'yong maga pero playoffs 'to, eh. Lalo na't do-or-die kami, so kailangang ibuhos na,” said Oftana after the match at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
Calvin Oftana and the rest of the TNT Tropang 5G celebrate their victory. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
The 6-foot-5 winger wound up with a double-double output of 21 points and 16 rebounds while also adding five assists and three steals.
“Kailangan talaga, eh. Kailangang kumayod kasi ayaw ko ring matapos ang conference namin ngayon,” Oftana said.
“At least, nabigyan kami ng pag-asa. Hopefully, mairaos namin.”
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While the Grand Slam is looming, Oftana insisted that it is not yet in the team's mind right now.
“Hindi pa namin iniisip 'yon. Wala talaga sa isip namin. We’re just going to take it one game at a time lang,” he said.
Expect Oftana to go all out anew when TNT and Magnolia meet for the last time on Saturday, June 21.