SMART CLARK GIGA CITY – The shots will fall soon.
That’s practically the approach TNT is taking as it keeps the faith on Troy Rosario and Poy Erram, who both struggled in Game Four of their 2020 PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series with Phoenix Super LPG, Wednesday night.
The 6-foot-7 forward had zero points to his name, missing all his six attempts from the field in the 23 minutes and eight seconds he played. He collected seven rebounds, an assist, and a block, however.
“We still believe in Troy,” said head coach Bong Ravena.
This, indeed, is uncharacteristic of Rosario, who, after scoring just five in the series opener exactly a week ago, averaged 12.0 points in Games Two and Three although the Tropang Giga lost both games.
Erram, on the other hand, was held to just four points and a rebound in nearly 14 minutes of play — this, after averaging 10.3 points and 12.3 rebounds in the first three games of the best-of-five series.
Luckily for the flagship MVP Group franchise, others came through to help them grab the season-saving 102-101 win. There, of course, was the inspired Ray Parks, who carried his team with 36 points.
Ravena said that offense isn’t actually an issue for this loaded Tropa — Jayson Castro, Roger Pogoy, and Simon Enciso all finished in twin digits as well — as long as each and everyone plays consistently on defense.
“They have to be consistent, especially on defense. Our points, our offense is really Ray-Ray, who can shoot, Jayson. We have no problem with our offense. Basically, it’s really our defense that really counts,” he said.
Still, Ravena hopes to see more from their main big men in the all-important Game Five on Friday, where they aim to win another and head to the Philippine Cup Finals for the first time in three years.
“Lahat ginagawa namin to help Troy, especially from the start he’s been struggling. But we still believe in Troy, in how he can contribute sa team, and we’re still hoping he’ll still step up, especially in this very important game.
“Naniniwala pa rin naman kami kay Poy, kay Troy. Alam namin lalabas din ‘yan, lalabas din laro nila. We’re not giving up on them. Kasama pa rin sila sa rotation. We’re hoping na makalaro sila nang maayos,” he said.
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