Henry Galinato was the unlikely hero in TNT’s one-sided win over Titan Ultra in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Friday, Oct. 24.
Henry Galinato took note of the one word written on the board inside TNT’s dugout at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.
It was big and clear: EFFORT.
That’s exactly what Galinato gave in the Tropang 5Gg’s 130-92 dismantling of Titan Ultra in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Friday, Oct. 24.
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Galinato was at the center of a 40-point second quarter outburst for TNT, which turned a tight contest into a clinic on the way to its third win in four outings for solo leadership.
The Tropang 5G big scored nine of his 16 points in the said frame, where they built an insurmountable 62-38 lead they held on to until the final buzzer.
“I was just following what coach Chot (Reyes) was saying. On the board, he wrote, 'Effort,'” said Galinato, whose team led by as many as 38 points, 115-77.
“That’s what I was trying to give him. I just do what my team needs me to do. If it happens, it happens. I’m grateful for it.”
Out-of-town win, bonding beneficial to TNT
In the end, everyone but Paul Varilla made a field goal for the Tropang 5G, who were in sync since making the trip to Vigan for an out-of-town victory against Converge.
Mike Nieto turned in 15 points and seven rebounds, while Calvin Oftana put up a double-double with 14 and 10.
Tyrus Hill (12), Glenn Khobuntin (11), and RR Pogoy (10) also finished in double figures.
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“I think the morale is really, really good right now, not just because of this game today. When we went to Vigan, everybody bonded. I feel like that carried over to the game today,” said Galinato.
Meanwhile, Joshua Munzon continued to lead the Giant Risers, but his efforts did not translate to a victory for his squad.
He finished with 20 points, three rebounds and four assists.
Not even the return of Calvin Abueva, who came up with 15 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and one steal could stop Titan Ultra from slumping to a third straight loss after its rousing opening win.
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TNT vs. Titan Ultra Scores:
TNT – Galinato 16, Nieto 15, Oftana 14, Hill 12, Khobuntin 11, Pogoy 10, Aurin 9, Ganuelas-Rosser 9, Williams 8, Heading 8, Nambatac 8, Enciso 5, Jalalon 5, Varilla 0
TITAN – Munzon 20, Yu 16, Abueva 15, Pessumal 10, Ular 8, Flores 8, Ambohot 4, Balanza 4, Koon 3, Sumang 2, Barasi 2, Melecio 0, Martinez 0, Cuntapay 0
Quarterscores: 22-19, 62-38, 99-63, 130-92
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.