TNT coach Chot Reyes conceded that Rain or Shine wanted to win Game 3 more, resulting into the Tropang 5G failing to gain a 3-0 lead in their PBA 49th Season Philippine Cup semifinal series.
Reyes said TNT was unable to match the Elasto Painters' energy, which was essential in a crucial contest like Game 3. RoS started Sunday’s game like a house on fire and outscored the Tropang 5G, 33-15, at the end of the first period.
“Rain or Shine came out and wanted the game so much more. They were a little more aggressive. We were not able to match it,” said Reyes in a brief interview with reporters following their 107-86 loss.
READ: RoS finally finds spark from Asistio, Tiongson to cut TNT lead to 2-1
“Evidence, we took three free throws the whole game,” said Reyes, referring to two times that Henry Galinato and one time that Calvin Oftana went to the line.
In contrast, Rain or Shine went 16-of-18 from the charity stripe, where they struggled by going 20-of-34 in Game 2.
“Kulang kami sa aggressiveness and I guess that’s the way it goes,” said Reyes.
TNT ramps up playoff physicality
The game also saw a spate of flagrant fouls on the part of TNT coming from Glenn Khobuntin and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser in the second half.
Reyes said the fouls are natural with the tournament now in the Final Four stage.
“Hindi lang naman sa amin ‘yun, sa kanila rin naman. It’s the playoffs, what can I say,” said Reyes.
The Tropang 5G will look to bounce back in Game 4 when the scene shifts to the SM Mall of Asia Arena with the team still holding a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven semifinal series.
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