TNT braces for game 2 grind

Williams, Sangalang game-time decision

MANILA, Philippines — TNT knows all too well that one lopsided result doesn’t necessarily bring guaranteed momentum and huge edge to the victor or break the spirits of the losing combatant.

And so the Tropang Giga, after beating Magnolia to the punch in the 46th PBA Philippine Cup finals opener, 88-70, are quickly moving on to the next one.

“These things (blowouts) happen. We know this, of all people. We’ve been on the receiving end of this as well in the previous series against San Miguel,” said TNT coach Chot Reyes, referring to the seesaw semifinal duel marked by alternating romps in the last five games.

“Whether you lose by a big margin or by one point, it’s still 1-0. So for us, what we’ve done is get the first game. We have to now focus all our energy on Game 2 because Game 1 is now in the books.”

TNT shoots for a 2-0 upperhand tonight at 6 p.m. at the Don Honorio Ventura State U Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga, determined to avoid a repeat of their blow-hot, blow-cold Final Four experience.

“You know what happened in the last series – we’d win big one game, we’d lose big the next game. So we just have to be ready for whatever Magnolia has in store for us in Game 2,” said Reyes.

TNT held Magnolia to an all-time finals field-goal low of 27.39 percent (20-of-73) and forced the Hotshots to a league conference-high 28 errors en route to 26 points off turnovers.

“One point or 20 points, one loss pa rin naman yun,” said Magnolia mentor Chito Victolero. “So we’d just try to bounce back hard in Game 2 and play ‘Magnolia basketball’ again.”

The finals protagonists go into the second game of the race-to-four contest with injury issues.

TNT’s veteran center Kelly Williams hurt his back during a dunk attempt in the opener and is uncertain for tonight.

“Doubtful,” Reyes told The STAR of Williams’ Game 2 status. “He was released from the hospital last night (Wednesday) but will need to consult a specialist (yesterday).”

Magnolia slotman Ian Sangalang is also bugged by back spasms and saw action for only 10 minutes in Game 1. Hotshots gunner Paul Lee is likewise playing through a shoulder injury he sustained in the preceding semis showdown with Meralco.