Despite Chot Reyes’ frustrations, the TNT Tropang 5G still went on to claim their fourth straight win in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup.
TNT coach Chot Reyes did not hide his frustration even after his wards hacked out a 109-95 win over lowly Terrafirma in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Friday night, Nov. 7.
“I really believe that in sports, sometimes when you lose, you really win. Sometimes when you win, you really lose,” Reyes said when he opened the post-game presser at the Ynares Center in Montalban.
“The scoreboard shows we won, but we really lost this game in my mind.”
TNT vet Kelly Williams to the rescue
The Tropang 5G did not show any semblance of urgency for the most part of the contest, where they even trailed by as many as 16 points, 51-35, early in the third period.
Fortunately for TNT, Kelly Williams bailed it out.
Jerrick Ahanmisi rallies Terrafirma with 26 points in their match against TNT. | Photo: PBA Images
The grizzled veteran swished a career-best eight triples, including six impactful shots from that range in the fourth period and overtime.
He wound up with 28 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block.
“Terrafirma completely outplayed us. We had no energy. We had no urgency. We’re lucky Kelly bailed us out. If Kelly didn’t drain all those three-pointers, then I don’t think I’ll be sitting here right now,” Reyes said.
As ugly as the win was in Reyes’ eyes, the Tropang 5G still climbed to a 5-1 record.
They now hold the solo lead after co-pacesetter Rain or Shine lost to NLEX, 105-91, Saturday, Nov. 8.
The Elasto Painters (5-2) slipped to joint second with the Road Warriors.
Reyes is hopeful his charges will come out of the gates with more energy and purpose as the Tropang 5G brace for Rain or Shine in Cagayan de Oro next Saturday, Nov. 15.
—
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.