Calvin Oftana provided answers to the TNT Tropang 5G’s manpower woes in Game 2 their PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series versus Rain or Shine on Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
With Roger Pogoy suffering an injury in the second period, Oftana scored 39 points, keyed in baskets in the closing minutes of regulation and in the extra period to push the Tropang 5G to a 108-101 stopping of the Rain or Shine Elastopainters.
“Just the next man up mentality. The way the team is constructed is so that we could have depth in these positions just in case something like that happens,” said Tropang 5G coach Chot Reyes.
Oftana unloaded three free throws that forced the extra time, along with seven in the extra five minutes to lead the Tropang 5G to a 2-0 lead in their semis affair with the Elastopainters.
Pogoy produced 11 points before he was rested due a hamstring injury at the 11:06-mark of the second period.
His injury showed up after Pogoy went for a layup to help cut down a 10-point deficit.
“We just refused to quit. I think that’s the most important thing, the refusal to give up no matter the adversity,” said Reyes.
Pogoy’s absence was felt when the Elastopainters rallied a 76-90 deficit behind Caelan Tiongson, who made 11 of 18 points in the fourth.
Jhonard Clarito’s layup with 54 ticks to go in regulation saw ROS ahead 99-96, before Oftana connected with his three freebies with seven ticks remaining.
