He richly deserves the Govs Cup Best Import Award.
RHJ’s superb performance in Game 4 (36 pts., 10 rebounds, 3 of 6 triples) drew superlatives from basketball fans for a 116-104 TNT conquest of Brgy. Ginebra that leveled the best-of-seven final series at two-all Sunday.
With an import as explosive as RHJ, coach Jolas may have removed any doubts that his Tropang Giga has as much chance as their respected foes at the championship trophy.
It was a rout actually (not an ordinary win) as RHJ and company established a large lead as many as 23 points which the Gin Kings, try as they did feverishly, could not overhaul.
Even the guard sub Kit Montalbo peppered the Kings’ defense with a couple of treys, so what do you expect when the main gunners like Mikey Williams, Calvin Oftana, Jason Castro and Glen Khobuntin catch fire?
It was raining cats and dogs.
Cone rued that his boys did not play decent defense as TNT’s 21 long shots from the arc eclipsed the Gins’ 18 in Game 3.
But of course, basketball has come a long way.
The better the defense, the better the chances that team has in beating its opponent.
(This reminds me of the 1967 ABC championship game between the Philippines and South Korea. The tight defense of Ed Ocampo on the legendary shooter Shin Dong Pa enabled the nationals to bring home the bacon.)
Cone may have to summon the big bodied Raymond Aguilar, a namesake of the better and taller one, who, at one time helped saved the day for the Gins, and Von Pessumal for extra outside shooting.
The pivotal Game 5 on Wednesday will give PBA fanatics a sneak peak as to which team Lady Luck will likely bless.
(My crystal ball intimated a 4-2 result for Brgy. Ginebra. Of course, I could be wrong.)
TNT did the job without shooter RR Pogoy (fractured finger) while BGSM missed anew the full services of main man Japhet Aguilar.
I can tell you, Game 4 of the Govs Cup was by far the most exciting non-stop basketball duel I have watched in many years.
RHJ is just super duper. Marvelous RHJ.
The new developments in officiating and the recruitment of capable and academically qualified refs are positive proofs that there is more in store for
the Pinoy basketball fans.
For now, the greater responsibility rests on Brownlee’s shoulders. He produced 28 markers (11 of 22 FGs) but endured foul woes after getting slapped with his fifth with still 8 minutes in the fourth quarter.
He cannot allow RHJ to impose his will again as the ex-Brooklyn Net mightily did in Game 4.
Very obviously, the latter’s herculean skills greatly motivated his TNT teammates to give their all or go home.
Did Cone give his boys a dressing down inside the dug-out?
The scores: TNT – RHJ 36, Castro 17. M. Williams 16, Oftana 16, Montalbo 16, Khobuntin 8, K. Williams, Ganuelas Rosser 2, Varilla 1, Tungcab, Marcelo 0.
Brgy. Ginebra – Brownlee 28. Thompson 22, Malonzo 17, Pringle 10, Pessumal 10, Standhardinger 10, Mariano 3, David 2, J. Aguila 2, Gray, Pinto, Onwubere, R. Aguilar 0. (Email feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
