THE champion team that it is, TNT is ready to deal with whatever cards are dealt it.
Calvin Oftana said the Tropang 5G aren't worried on which team the grand slam-seeking franchise will be facing come the PBA Philippine Cup playoffs next week.
TNT’s bid to clinch a Top 4 finish for a twice-to-beat edge in the quarterfinals suffered a big blow as it dropped a close 88-83 loss to Magnolia on Friday night in the penultimate day of the eliminations at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
READ Magnolia rides Reavis heroics to beat TNT, clinch twice-to-beat
“Nangyari na, e. So kung ano yung nasa harap namin, yun na lang ang gagawin namin. At least nasa quarterfinals kami. May chance pa naman,” said Oftana.
Once the hottest team in the conference, TNT suddenly found itself in a precarious situation after losing its last two outings, including Sunday’s blowout to Barangay Ginebra, 97-78.
As a consequence, it failed to secure a twice-to-beat advantage and could either land at seventh or sixth spot with its 6-5 record depending on the outcome of the final playdate of the eliminations on Sunday.
It’s a difficult task the Tropang 5G is facing, according to Oftana.
“Sabi nga ni coach sa huddle namin, kung anuman ang mangyari, huwag nating isipin yung bukas. Isipin natin kung ano yung meron tayo ngayon,” added the former NCAA MVP.
“Ganun naman talaga ang basketball. Hindi araw-araw Pasko.”
Oftana finished with 15 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and two steals, but sat on the bench at crunch time after spraining his ankle earlier.
The hurting ankle has already swollen by the time the TNT forward was on his way out of the venue.
Hopefully, he’ll be able to be ready come the playoffs, according to Oftana.
“Pahinga lang, rehab, and sana umabot sa laro sa quarterfinals,” he added.
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