TNT Tropang 5G’s RR Pogoy during a PBA Philippine Cup game against Magnolia Hotshots. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Roger Pogoy had one thing in mind in TNT’s PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals match against Magnolia at Philsports Arena on Wednesday night.
Aside from keeping Tropang 5G’s grand slam bid alive, Pogoy also had his refusal to go home in mind, which ultimately propelled him and the squad to an 89-88 win over the second-seeded Hotshots.
READ: PBA: TNT’s Grand Slam bid stays on track after escaping Magnolia
“My mindset coming into this game was really just about me not wanting to lose. I don’t want to go on a vacation yet,” said a pumped-up Pogoy.
“We also read Magnolia’s defense because last time, we had so many turnovers. I guess that was our turning point.”
Pogoy certainly read Magnolia’s defense and ripped it apart as he exploded for 30 points to keep TNT alive in the quarterfinals.
Tropang 5G’s win also nullified Magnolia’s twice-to-beat advantage, with both squads now headed to a do-or-die game for a seat in the semifinals.
Pogoy’s scoring wasn’t the only spark, though.
Coach Chot Reyes’ words after TNT’s last game in the elimination round—coincidentally, a loss to Magnolia—also played a role in pushing Tropang 5G closer to a grand slam.
“When coach asked us what we really wanted, it really just added fuel to all of us. It’s like we’re all willing to die just to get the win,” said Pogoy in jest.
“Sometimes, he lets us be and we relax, but once he gets mad, he’ll really wake you up,” he added.
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TNT looks to upset Magnolia on Saturday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
