DESPITE losing its debut game in the PBA Commissioner's Cup, TNT coach Jojo Lastimosa saw some positive takes in the team's 110-102 setback against Magnolia.
Lastimosa noted how the Tropang Giga kept the Hotshots on their toes the entire game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum despite parading a lineup that doesn't have the likes of Mikey Williams, Roger Pogoy, Poy Erram, Justin Chua, rookie big man Henry Galinato, and Kib Montalbo.
"We didn't give up (when) we had a lot of chances to fold. The guys kept at it," said a beaming Lastimosa, obviously proud of how his team battled a complete Magnolia side that has been on a winning run - now 12-0 and counting - dating back from the pre-season On Tour.
Gilas Pilipinas stalwart Calvin Oftana and stand-in import Quincy Miller carried the fight for TNT as they combined for 65 points and accounted for 10 of the Tropang Giga's 15 three pointers.
Miller had a game-high 37 points, 14 rebounds, four steals, and tw block shots, while Oftana added 28, four rebounds, and five assists, while firing 7-of-13 from downtown.
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"Calvin stepped up, Quincy had a pretty good game," Lastimosa pointed out.
But obviously without its two leading scorers last season in Williams and Pogoy, TNT couldn't match Magnolia power for power.
"Wala si Mikey, wala si Roger. Alam namin na we have to look for those points somewhere else," said Lastimosa.
After Miller and Oftana, only veteran and former MVP Kelly Williams finished in double figures for the team with 14 points along with five rebounds.
"We're looking for even contributions from the rest of the team," added Lastimosa. "For us to win, everybody has to contribute." (RG)
