Coach wants TNT to stay ready for SMB comeback

MANILA, Philippines – TNT coach Bong Ravena expects San Miguel Beer to come out strong on Wednesday, when they face off in Game 2 of the 2019 PBA Commissioner's Cup finals.

This, after the KaTropa routed the Beermen, 109-96, in Game 1 on Sunday night at the Araneta Coliseum.

Ravena said afterward that their team caught a break, as San Miguel had just one day to rest and prepare for the series opener following a tough semifinals match-up with Rain or Shine.

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"Medyo ano 'yung game nila noong sa Rain or Shine eh. So I think 'yung fatigue, naka-ano sa kanila. But yeah, swerte namin, yeah, medyo pagod sila," said Ravena, whose team got a 41-point outing from Terrence Jones.

Ravena doubts they will have that luxury come Game 2, however, with both teams having two days off.

"We have to come out strong again and be ready, because you know, babalik at babalik 'yan," he said. "It's a champion team, experience-wise. So we have to respect that."

"They're going to come out strong next game, and we should be ready. We have to be ready," he stressed.

TNT veteran Jayson Castro, who had 20 points in the win, also made it clear that the KaTropa was approaching the

series with the same mentality they had during the elimination round.

"One game at a time," he said. "Ayaw naming parang mag-expect kaagad."

"Siyempre, finals na 'to," Castro added. "So, maging ready lang kami kung ano 'yung mga adjustment, at saka kung ano 'yung mga nagawa naming mali this game, kailangan lang naming i-improve."

Game 2 of the best-of-7 series is on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum. ABS-CBN News