PLAYING with an undermanned line-up for most part of the pre-season, TNT notched a breakthrough win last Wednesday–big thanks to the Tropang Giga’s 3×3 players.
“Ang laking bagay ng 3×3 players namin to help with our regular players,” TNT assistant strategist Sandy Arespacochaga said. “So, medyo combination na kami ng three teams, our TNT team, our San Beda team, and the Triple Giga.
“Kaya joint effort from all the parties involved. So, we really thanked the management for the help,” he added.
Arespacochaga, calling the shots for the squad in lieu of coach Jojo Lastimosa, spoke after the Tropang Giga brought down Phoenix 96-88 for only their first victory in eight games in the PBA On Tour.
On loan to the 5-on-5 team, the core of Almond Vosotros, Lervin Flores, Samboy De Leon, Ping Exciminiano, and Gryann Mendoza combined for 41 points, 22 rebounds, and six assists.
Vosotros wound up with 16 points spiked by four three pointers, while big man Flores had nine and a game-high 13 rebounds.
Already without gunners Jayson Castro, Roger Pogoy, Poy Erram, Mikey Williams, Kelly Williams, and Calvin Oftana, TNT’s roster was further decimated after Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, JD Tungcab, and Paul Varilla got sick.
That left Glenn Khobuntin, Kib Montalbo, Carl Bryan Cruz, Dave Marcelo, and the comebacking Brian Heruela as the only regulars seeing action in the exhibition series alongside San Beda University mainstays Clifford Jopia, Damie Cuntapay, Peter Alfaro, and JV Gallego.
