Oftana drops 42, powers TNT

Calvin Oftana erupted for a career-high 42 points as TNT Tropang Giga survived a late rally from Magnolia, 103-100, for its first win in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup yesterday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Oftana was on fire, shooting a sizzling 9-of-14 from the three-point line to help the Tropang Giga snap a two-game losing streak.

The former San Beda University star thanked head coach Chot Reyes for the trust he gave him as well as his teammates for boosting his confidence to drop those long bombs.

“Coach Chot would give us confidence to take those shots. He told us to take it whenever we are open,” Oftana said.

“I thank my teammates for passing the ball and I’m grateful my shots went in.”

With TNT holding an 89-77 lead with 6:57 left in the fourth quarter, a jumper from Ian Sangalang ignited an 11-2 run to close the gap to three points.

A triple by Oftana with 1:22 left capped an 11-0 run by the Tropang Giga for a 102-90 lead.

Mark Barroca tried to flip the script when he drained a buzzer-beating triple to cap a 10-1 run by Magnolia, but the gap was already too wide as time ran out.

Aside from Oftana, import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson also delivered a double-double game of 41 points and 13 rebounds while Pogoy and Poy Erram combined for 12 points for the Tropang Giga.

Ricardo Ratliffe had a double-double game with 27 points and 14 rebounds as the Hotshots sank to a 1-3 slate.