After serving a one-game suspension in a match that TNT eventually lost, head coach Chot Reyes is back to call the shots, resulting in a Game 6 triumph.
Chot Reyes watched on helplessly as TNT received a 97-113 beating at the hands of Rain or Shine in Game 5 of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup semifinals last Friday, July 4.
Reyes followed the match at home as he was serving a one-game suspension on the five technical fouls he incurred in the conference.
To say that it was tough to be in that spot was an understatement.
“Isang bote ng wine ang naubos ko sa bahay. Tapos sinundan ko pa ng shot ng whiskey, ng single malt,” said Reyes, whose team reached the Finals for the third straight time this season.
“It's really difficult. The most difficult thing is to watch your team out there and you’re useless at home. I really wished I was there.”
[ALSO READ: PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup: Schedule, results, standings, where to watch, and more]
But when he finally returned, Reyes guided the Tropang 5G to a 97-89 win in Game 6 that earned them the first spot in the championship round Sunday night, July 6.
[RELATED STORY: TNT ousts Rain or Shine in Game 6, advances to PBA Philippine Cup Finals]
Reyes had Jordan Heading to thank for the win as the Filipino-Australian spearheaded TNT with 29 points, three rebounds, four assists and two steals.
Heading — who will be playing in his first finals in the league — scored seven inside the final four minutes, where TNT broke free from an 80-all logjam.
Jordan Heading topscores for the TNT Tropang 5G in their Game 6 semifinal victory. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
Also stepping up for the team, which is missing the services of RR Pogoy (hamstring) and Kelly Williams (ankle), were Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and Glenn Khobuntin.
Rosser made his presence felt inside the paint anew and put up 17 points, five rebounds, two assists and three blocks, while Khobuntin chipped in 16 points and 12 boards.
Meanwhile, Caelan Tiongson paced Rain or Shine with 30 points, six rebounds and assist.
Andrei Caracut had 15 points, while Adrian Nocum added 11 points before making his exit after incurring his sixth foul with only a minute left in the match.
TNT vs. Rain or Shine scores:
TNT 97 – Heading 29, Ganuelas-Rosser 17, Khobuntin 16, Aurin 13, Oftana 12, Heruela 5, Enciso 3, Erram 2, Varilla 0, Vosotros 0, Galinato 0.
RAIN OR SHINE 89 – Tiongson 30, Caracut 15, Nocum 11, Mamuyac 9, Clarito 8, Asistio 7, Santillan 4, Malonzo 3, Datu 2, Norwood 0.
Quarterscores: 28-27, 47-50, 69-70, 97-89.