The usually cheerful Calvin Oftana politely begged off from an interview after Game 4 of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals.
TNT star Calvin Oftana was not in the mood to talk in the aftermath of the Tropang 5G's 91-105 loss to San Miguel in Game 4 of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals Sunday night, July 20.
Oftana politely declined an interview with reporters camping outside the team’s dugout at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay as he headed out for the exit with his family.
“Bukas na,” said the usually cheerful Oftana.
The sweet-shooting winger went scoreless in the first 24 minutes action.
He wound up with just 11 points, and hardly made a difference for the Tropang 5G when they needed him most.
Before Game 4, Oftana was norming 17 points, including a 23-point outing in Game 2.
Calvin Oftana and the rest of TNT have their backs against the wall following their crucial Game 4 loss against San Miguel. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
Beermen coach Leo Austria said his side's defensive adjustment simply worked in the win that gave them a commanding 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven duel.
“If you notice, TNT is shooting a lot from the three-point area. Actually, in the first two games, more than 50 percent ang kanilang tira sa labas. So we have to extend our defense from the perimeter,” said Austria.
“This is a championship game. Everybody has their own adjustment. I think our adjustment, nag-click sa'min.”
[RELATED STORY: Austria says Game 1 loss ‘biggest impact’ in SMB's PH Cup title drive: 'It fuels our grit']
But as he has done in the past, Oftana is expected to rebound from this sloppy outing as the Tropang 5G fight for dear life.
The amiable cager has a couple of days to get his act together, with Game 5 set Wednesday, July 23, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.