Calvin Oftana stepped up as his good friend RR Pogoy headed to the bench in the second quarter of Game 2 in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals.
Calvin Oftana heaved a deep sigh before answering questions from the members of the media Friday night, June 27.
This after Oftana did it all for the Tropang 5G in their thrilling 113-105 overtime win over Rain or Shine in Game 2 of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup semifinals.
TNT took a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
[RELATED STORY: TNT outlasts Rain or Shine in Game 2 OT to extend lead in PBA Philippine Cup semis]
Oftana suddenly turned it up after his partner in crime, RR Pogoy, needed to sit out the second half and the extra period because of a hamstring injury.
“Parang sinabi sakin [ni RR] na, ‘Ikaw na bahala, migo,’” Oftana said about his conversation with Game 1 hero Pogoy.
“Sabi ko, 'Ako na bahala, migo.'”
Oftana delivered on his promise, finishing with 39 points.
His biggest play came in regulation when he went on a perfect 3-for-3 from the foul line to send the game into overtime.
He sustained his fine form in the extension as he once again canned two free throws to put the score out of reach with 27.1 ticks remaining.
Calvin Oftana helps TNT foil Rain or Shine's comeback in Game 2. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
“Just the next man up mentality. The way the team is constructed is so that we could have depth in these positions just in case something like that happens,” Reyes said.
Also stepping up was Jordan Heading, who turned in 13 points, six rebounds and 11 assists.
Kelly Williams added nine points — none bigger than the triple he made at the 2:53 mark of the extra period — as well as nine rebounds.
Pogoy produced 11 points before being shelved.
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“We just refused to quit. I think that’s the most important thing: the refusal to give up no matter the adversity,” said Reyes.
Rain or Shine also showed resilience when down 76-90 in the fourth period.
The Elasto Painters leaned on Caelan Tiongson, whose three triples fueled a 15-0 run to give the lead back to his team, 91-90, with still 5:43 left in regulation.
It was a nip-and-tuck contest after that.
Tiongson finished with 18 points, 11 of which in the fourth.
Adrian Nocum added 27 big points. The high-flying guard from Tondo was impressive in the second half, but he still fell short in helping Rain or Shine get over the hump.
Gian Mamuyac and Jhonard Clarito had 16 points apiece.
TNT vs. Rain or Shine scores:
TNT 113 – Oftana 39, Heading 13, Pogoy 11, Williams 9, Ganuelas-Rosser 8, Nieto 7, Aurin 7, Vosotros 6, Erram 6, Khobuntin 4, Enciso 3.
RAIN OR SHINE 105– Nocum 27, Tiongson 18, Mamuyac 16, Clarito 16, Santillan 7, Caracut 6, Norwood 6, Asistio 3, Ildefonso 2, Datu 2, Malonzo 2.
Quarterscores: 21-25, 50-52, 78-70, 99-99, 113-105.