TNT’s balance output keys Game 4 victory

THE real TNT KaTropa finally showed up in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup championship series.

On Wednesday’s Game 4 of the titular showdown, the KaTropa showed their balance firepower to outlast San Miguel Beer and level the best-of-seven series at 2-2 apiece.

Six players finished in double figures for the KaTropa with import Josh Smith leading the way with 20 points and 15 rebounds.

A non-factor in the past few games, lead point guard Jayson Castro made sure the burly import would be back in his role as the team’s focal point of TNT’s inside-out game.

“Every possession counts. First option for us is to look for Josh at the low post and he started to become aggressive in offense,” Mr. Castro told BusinessWorld.

Mr. Castro led the TNT local scoring with 17 markers despite coming off the bench. The veteran guard didn’t mind taking the backseat behind RR Garcia, who was inserted to the starting point guard role and produced 10 points.

RR Pogoy also broke out of slump, adding 14 after having two consecutive scoreless games, while Troy Rosario and Ranidel de Ocampo came alive and played their best game of the series, both tallying 13 points.

“Everybody contributed. Every player fielded in was able to contribute. To beat San Miguel, we need to get everybody involved. Even the 10th and 11th guy, once they’re dispatched from the bench, they need to make good things happen,” said Mr. Castro.

For Mr. Rosario, it’s an opportunity he had been waiting.

“Coach Nash Racela told me to be aggressive. I need to take shots. I didn’t have any attempt last time, so they gave me a license to shoot and be aggressive,” added Mr. Rosario.