Pogoy status remains hanging

TNT Tropang 5G remains uncertain whether or not Roger Pogoy will be fit when they battle Rain or Shine in the crucial Game 4 of their Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup best-of-seven semifinal series on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Tropang 5G head coach Chot Reyes said that they are still uncertain whether or not Pogoy will be able to suit up to help them secure a win that will put them on the brink of the best-of-seven finals series.

Pogoy suffered a hamstring injury in Game 2 last Friday. He was reduced into a mere cheerleader in Game 3 that prompted the Tropang 5G to suffer an 86-107 loss.

“Hopefully, he will be able to play but I can’t say for sure. It’s doubtful even for the next game,” Reyes said.

“It’s a big factor (why we lost) but it’s not an excuse.”

Pogoy had been providing the spark for the Tropang Giga.

The former Far Eastern University star scored 28 points in their 98-91 win in Game 1.

In Game 2, however, he fired 11 points in the first quarter before crashing with a pulled hamstring.

But Pogoy’s injury isn’t Reyes’ lone concern.

The multi-titled mentor said he wants to see more effort from other players when they bowed to the Elasto Painters, who were able to convert 16 out of 18 free throws, in Game 3.

“Rain or Shine came out and wanted the game so much more. They were a little more aggressive. We were not able to match it,” Reyes said as the Tropang 5G only made three free throws in Game 3.

“Evidence, we took three free throws the whole game. We lacked aggressiveness and I guess that’s the way it goes.”