JOSH Reyes took over for TNT in Game 5 of the PBA 49th Season Philippine Cup semifinals with head coach Chot Reyes suspended for accumulating five technical fouls this conference.
Being the top deputy of the Tropang 5G, the younger Reyes was tasked to fill the void, with assistant coaches Sandy Arespacochaga and Yuri Escueta also helping out.
However, TNT was unable to close out the semifinals on Friday after falling to Rain or Shine, 113-97, as the Tropang 5G also had to deal with the absences of RR Pogoy and Kelly Williams due to injuries.
READ: RoS lives to fight another day after Game 5 triumph over TNT
Reyes, though, made it clear that missing their head coach, top gun, and key big man is not the reason for the Tropang 5G's defeat.
“We tried our best to address it, of course. Less than a day’s notice, so we had a quick turnaround to do it,” he said.
“But again, it’s no excuse. We should have done a better job to come turning up in this game.”
Rain or Shine buries TNT in third quarter
The third proved pivotal one for the Elasto Painters, as they outscored TNT, 37-12. The Tropang 5G later trailed by as many as 35 points in that quarter.
“We just couldn’t defend without fouling in that third quarter,” Reyes recalled. “We gave them 17 free throws. A total of 37 free throws for Rain or Shine in the totality of the game.”
The lead assistant also shared that their suspended shot-caller had a brief message for the team before the game even though he was not at the venue.
“I thought that we could have done a better job. I thought we had enough to get the job done, but we just fell short,” said Reyes.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
