Always ready: Castro reprises hero role for nth time as TNT gets payback vs Converge

MANILA, Philippines – Jayson Castro refused to let TNT endure another stinging loss to Converge.

In a team full of capable scorers, the Tropang Giga put the ball in the hands of Castro in the endgame as he starred in a 98-91 victory over the FiberXers in the Governors’ Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Sunday, September 8.

Finishing with 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists, Castro hit a clutch three-pointer with 1:10 minutes left that gave TNT enough separation for the payback win after it suffered its only loss of the conference to Converge.

In that 96-95 defeat, the Tropang Giga frittered away a 16-point deficit and saw the FiberXers complete the comeback thanks to import Scotty Hopson hitting the first-ever game-winning four-point shot in league history.

“As a veteran, my teammates and coach Chot trusted me with that play, so I needed to find a way for us to execute,” said Castro in Filipino.

“I’m ready every time for crucial possessions like that.”

Just like their previous encounter, Converge climbed out of a huge hole as it trimmed a deficit as big as 21 points, 41-62, to a single possession, with Schonny Winston converting a layup to pull the FiberXers within 91-93.

But Castro took matters into his own hands, shaking off Alec Stockton with a nifty crossover and pulling up from beyond the arc to give TNT a five-point cushion.

Stockton then committed a costly turnover in the ensuing possession, paving the way for Calvin Oftana — who had 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists — to seal the win for the Tropang Giga with a short stab on a second attempt.

Import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson churned out 21 points, 10 assists, and 7 rebounds to show the way for TNT, which improved to 5-1 to share the top spot in Group A with Meralco.

Rey Nambatac put up 17 points in the win, 14 coming in the first half as the Tropang Giga propped up a commanding 58-39 halftime lead.

“The reason Jayson is able to play these quality minutes is because of the minutes Rey is playing, allowing him to get a lot of rest and be well-rested every time he is on the floor,” said TNT head coach Chot Reyes.

“There were times in the past it was Rey there and not Jayson, then now it was Jayson and not Rey, and the good thing with both of them is there is no problem.”

Winston chalked up 15 points and 13 rebounds in the loss as Converge absorbed its third straight defeat since stunning the Tropang Giga and fell to 2-4.

Justin Arana topscored for the FiberXers with 16 points on top of 6 rebounds, Stockton netted 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks, while Hopson contributed 13 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals.

The Scores

TNT 98 – Hollis-Jefferson 21, Nambatac 17, Oftana 14, Castro 14, Pogoy 12, Erram 5, Payawal 5, Aurin 5, Khobuntin 3, Heruela 2.

Converge 91 – Arana 16, Winston 15, Stockton 15, Hopson 13, Ambohot 12, Delos Santos 8, Santos 7, Cabagnot 4, Racal 1, Nieto 0, Vigan-Fleming 0, Andrade 0.

Quarters: 36-18, 58-39, 78-67, 98-91.

– Rappler.com