Even without RR Pogoy, TNT coach Chot Reyes can count on guys like Calvin Oftana and Jordan Heading to take over and give them a win in Game 3 of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup semifinals.
Even without top gun RR Pogoy, the TNT Tropang 5G are proving they remain a formidable force as they aim to move one win away from the Finals in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup.
Riding high off a gritty 113-105 overtime win in Game 2, the Tropang 5G look to take a 3-0 series lead when they face the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters again in Game 3 on Sunday, June 29.
The match starts at 5:00 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
[RELATED STORY: PBA acknowledges crucial missed call late in Game 2 of TNT vs Rain or Shine semis]
Calvin Oftana stepped up big in Pogoy’s absence, unloading an impressive performance with 39 points, nine rebounds, three blocks, and a steal to lead TNT to the dramatic Game 2 victory.
Jordan Heading also came through with a double-double of 13 points and 11 assists, while Pogoy still managed 11 points in the first half before going down with a left hamstring injury that will likely sideline him in Game 3.
[ALSO READ: PBA: TNT gunner RR Pogoy sustains hamstring injury in semis Game 2 win vs Rain or Shine]
With Pogoy out, the Tropang 5G will rely heavily on Oftana’s all-around brilliance and Heading’s playmaking to try and inch closer to a third straight Finals appearance this season — and keep their Grand Slam hopes alive.
But they’ll have to fend off a desperate Rain or Shine squad looking to avoid a 0-3 hole after two close defeats. Expect Game 3 to bring even more fireworks as TNT tries to tighten its grip on the series.
[ALSO READ: Mamuyac eager to bounce back after costly foul on Oftana: 'I was just trying to be smart’]
(With reports from Jan Ballesteros)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]