Calvin Oftana earned his fourth PBA Press Corps-Pilipinas Live Player of the Week award this season after a clutch 39-point performance that lifted TNT to a pivotal Game 2 semifinals win against Rain or Shine.
Calvin Oftana proved once again why he’s one of the PBA’s brightest stars in the All-Filipino Conference.
The TNT Tropang Giga forward was named PBA Press Corps-Pilipinas Live Player of the Week for the fourth time this season, following his clutch heroics that propelled TNT to a crucial win over Rain or Shine in their Philippine Cup semifinal series.
Oftana dropped a game-high 39 points in TNT’s 113-105 overtime victory in Game 2 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, including three pressure-packed free throws to force overtime and seven more points in the extra frame.
His standout effort came after RR Pogoy exited the game due to a hamstring injury.
“Parang sinabi niya na, ‘Ikaw na bahala, migo.’ At sabi ko, ‘Ako na bahala, migo,’” said Oftana, recalling the moment he and Pogoy exchanged words before the latter left the court.
[ALSO READ: Calvin Oftana holds fort for RR Pogoy in TNT's PBA semis Game 2 win: 'Ako na bahala, migo']
Oftana rose to the occasion, keeping TNT’s Finals hopes alive as they moved up 2-0 in the best-of-seven series. Though Rain or Shine struck back in Game 3, Oftana’s consistent numbers over the June 25-29 stretch earned him the weekly citation.
He averaged 22.3 points on an efficient 51% shooting clip, along with 9.0 rebounds, beating out teammates like Pogoy, as well as Ginebra’s Jamie Malonzo and Scottie Thompson, and Rain or Shine guard Anton Asistio for the weekly honor.
[ALSO READ: Anton Asistio unlikely hero in Rain or Shine’s breakthrough vs TNT in Game 3 of PBA semis]
The performance also gave Oftana the lead in the season-long race for the Order of Merit award, pulling ahead of Magnolia rookie Zavier Lucero. But for the 6-foot-5 Cebuano, individual accolades are just a bonus.
“Wala pa kaming napapatunayan,” said Oftana. “We’re not done yet. We need to keep moving forward.”
Oftana and the Tropang 5G are set to face the Elasto Painters in a pivotal Game 4 later at 7:30 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.