Jayson Castro stars as TNT equalizes Finals series with San Miguel

TNT welcomed back head coach Chot Reyes from a 2-game absence by pulling the rug from under San Miguel, 100-87, in Game 4 of the PBA Season 47 Philippine Cup Finals, Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Jayson Castro flashed his vintage form by scattering 26 points in 31 minutes to lead the Tropang Giga to their 2nd win against 2 losses in the best-of-seven championship series.

“Siguro because of our gameplan din and the energy sa room. We had to be impressive. Yung last two games namin, ang bagal ng execution namin at yung defense namin, sobrang passive. Sinabi lang ni Coach Chot na maging aggressive kami sa defense at offense,” said the 36-year old Castro during the post-game press conference.

“Siyempre, malaki din kasi yun nga, yung motivation sa simpleng yung mga execution namin once na magkamali kami, papagalitan kami. Malaking bagay siyempre,” he added.

With Reyes out due to his other role as mentor of Gilas Pilipinas during the national team’s ‘away’ game against Lebanon, TNT suffered back-to-back defeats with lead assistant Sandy Arespacochaga calling the shots.

The squad celebrated the return by turning the ball over just 3 times – the fewest ever in a PBA game as per league head statistician Fidel Mangonon. The Beermen, on the other hand, committed 15.

Roger Pogoy backstopped Castro by scoring 21 points while Mikey Williams added 15. Kelly Williams chipped in 14 while Poy Erram and Glenn Khobuntin added 8 and 7 markers, respectively.

June Mar Fajardo, who prior to the match was hailed as the Best Player of the Conference, came through with 20 points and 19 boards.

Simon Enciso had 15 points while Marcio Lassiter finished with 14. CJ Perez and Mo Tautuaa contributed 13 points each in the disappointing loss.

The pivotal 5th game is set on Wednesday, August 31, 5:45pm at the same venue.

The scores

TNT 100 – Castro 26, Pogoy 21, M.Williams 15, K.Williams 14, Erram 8, Khobuntin 7, Montalbo 3, Rosario 2, Marcelo 2, Ganuelas-Rosser 2, Reyes 0, Alejandro 0.

San Miguel 87 – Fajardo 20, Enciso 15, Lassiter 14, Perez 13, Tautuaa 13, Cruz 6, Brondial 3, Ross 2, Manuel 1, Herndon 0, Pessumal 0.

Quarterscores:18-9; 43-36; 72-63; 100-87.