Defender TNT flooded into Meralco imported KJ McDaniels. –PBA IMAGES
ANTIPOLO CITY – Coach Jojo Lastimosa praised TNT for how it was able to limit Meralco’s offense in Game 1 of their PBA Governors’ Cup semi-final series on Friday.
Billed as a match between them attack Bolts’ defenseTropang Giga was successful at both ends of the floor and won 110-80 to take the lead in the best of five games at the Ynares Center here.
“We know Meralco is a very hard-working team and no one can beat them. And if we can match their energy and intensity, we’ll be fine,” said Lastimosa.
“I know we can score and we can get some points everywhere, but the worry is whether we can face their defence,” he added.
TNT took a 31-19 lead at the end of the first quarter, not only thanks to Rondae Hollis-Jefferson’s all-round contributions but also limiting Meralco to just 33% of game time.
Tropang Giga did not disappoint and the lead gradually increased until the end.
Lastimosa said: “In the first half, (Meralco) shot 36% and I was surprised because it was a pretty good defensive job because we lost about 46% in the eliminations.
Lastimosa also said that Meralco came in exhausted from having to go through a difficult period. after-hours meeting with Magnolia last Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to reach the Quarterfinals.
“It seems like Meralco is lacking a bit of energy and it could be an emotional win for them and maybe they are a bit high so there are a lot of reasons,” commented the TNT mentor, adding that he expects Meralco coach Norman Black to make significant adjustments in Game 2 on Sunday.
“He knows how to adjust in a situation like this.”
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