Tigers unfazed with Game 1 loss

MANILA, Philippines - Besides the fact that it’s just one game, the Powerade Tigers remain comfortable with the thought that they lost Game One of the PBA Philippine Cup finals minus a vital cog in Jvee Casio. 

The Tigers are unfazed by their Game One defeat, believing it could have been a different story if Casio were there.

The former Smart Gilas mainstay, nursing a strained hamstring, returns to play in Game 2 tomorrow at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“We rested him in Game One to give him time to heal his injury. It’s just one game in a seven-game series,” said Powerade coach Bo Perasol.

“Jvee plays an important role for us. He could have given the game a different complexion if he’s there,” said Powerade top gun Gary David.

Talk n Text coach Chot Reyes acknowledged they got an advantage with Casio’s absence.

“We just caught them off since Jvee’s not there. It will be a completely different team when Casio comes back,” said Reyes.

Casio was in uniform and wanted to play but Perasol opted to sit him out in the game dominated by the Texters for a 116-100 rout.

Casio himself wasn’t fazed.

“They were just able to get a good start. They’re too good a team to be allowed that,” said the 5-foot-10 Powerade ace playmaker.

“We really shot very well,” said Reyes, on the other hand, of their torrid offense allowing them to jumpstart, 31-13, and stay in full control to the finish.

The Texters were also able to execute their defensive plan, holding down David to 19 points - his lowest output in the post-elim plays.

“We felt right there in the absence of Jvee. He’s among the team’s top options offensively. Since he wasn’t there, Talk n Text was really able to concentrate on me,” said David.