PBA Finals: Motivated Calvin Oftana fuels TNT response in Game 2

TNT Tropang 5G’s Calvin Oftana during a game vs Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—TNT star Calvin Oftana used the sting of Game 1 as motivation to help the Tropang 5G bounce back in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals.

After absorbing a heartbreaking loss to Barangay Ginebra in the series opener, Oftana came out firing in Game 2 on Friday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Behind a season-best performance from Oftana, TNT pulled out a 101-94 victory to level the best-of-seven series at 1-1.

“We were all motivated after that game,” he said. “We were motivated to tie the series and that’s just how we are.”

The gunslinger out of San Beda finished with 31 points and 10 rebounds to match, adding a double-double to his season-high in points.

Oftana registered a waxing hot 61.1 percent shooting clip, including five basket from beyond the arc to avenge the Tropang 5G’s loss in the series opener.

Still, it wasn’t an easy win for the Tropang 5G, who saw a 22-point lead trimmed to four in the fourth quarter.

Oftana, however, expected as much.

“We all knew Ginebra would make a comeback like that. Their NSD spirit was there but I’m happy that our team overcame that. We’ll move forward to our next game,” he said.

“They had their tight defense on me so I just took advantage of my opportunities.”

Oftana also delivered the finishing touches from the free-throw line, sinking two foul shots for a 100-94 lead with 18 seconds remaining to seal the win.