[ad_1]
As far as TNT coach Bong Ravena is concerned, their victory in Game 3 would mean nothing if they cannot carry the same tenacity to Game 4 and even the series at the PBA Philippine Cup Finals tonight, December 6, at the University of Angeles. Cultural and Sports Center Foundation in Ángeles, Pampanga.
“We won this game, but … nothing really happened as we are still behind [behind]. We only have one win and they have two, ”Ravena said in Filipino after Tropang Giga’s third game victory 88-67 over the Geneva Gin Kings last Friday.
Barangay Geneva continues to lead the best-of-seven slugfest, 2-1.
The Tropang Giga, behind Jayson Castro, Roger Pogoy and Poy Erram, are looking to even the series, while Geneva, led by Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar, LA Tenorio and Stanley Pringle, is looking to establish a dominant 3-1 lead.
TNT cracked down on the Geneva scorers for their first win against the Gin Kings in the PBA bubble.
TNT did a good job of limiting Geneva’s lead gunner, Pringle, to 11 points on a poor 4-of-14 shooting from the field.
“We know the capabilities of Geneva and we have to be consistent in our defense. If we can limit Stanley (Pringle) to bagay na sa amin ‘yun (it would be a great deal for us). I just hope that matuloy namin ang ganitong laro (we can sustain this kind of game), ”Ravena said, adding:“ We have to stick to our roles. Kung ganun lang gagawin namin (that’s all we have to do), we have a great chance to win. “
TNT played with a sense of urgency in Game Three, dictating the pace from the second period, scoring 23 points and limiting the Gin Kings to just eight markers.
In the third quarter, Geneva came within two points, 54-56, behind LA Tenorio’s layup with 2:52 left.
But TNT responded with a 10-2 blitz to maintain its double-digit fourth-quarter lead, 66-56.
Pogoy posted a team-high 18 points, including six steals, six rebounds and three dimes, while veterinary guard Castro posted a double-double of 15 scores and 10 assists.
Troy Rosario also posted 15 points from an efficient 7-of-9 shooting clip, while Erram finished with 12 points, 14 rebounds, three dimes and two blocks.
Among the Gin Kings, only Pringle (11), Tenorio (19) and Aguilar (15) scored in double figures.
The league’s winningest coach Tim Cone is expected to make adjustments for Geneva to stop TNT’s attack.
The Gin Kings are pinning their hopes on guard Thompson, prolific scorer Pringle and bankers Jared Dillinger, Prince Caperal and Jeff Chan.
Ray Parks Jr., TNT’s top scorer and the PBA’s leading individual award nominee this season, is likely to return in Game 4. Parks missed Games 2 and 3 due to a calf strain.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Basketball Association has announced the opening of the PBA Rookie Draft for the 46th season.
Applications will be available on Monday, December 7, 2020 at the PBA office. The sub-mission deadline is January 27, 2021. The PBA Rookie Draft will be held on March 14.
[ad_2]
