TNT Tropang 5G head coach Vincent “Chot” Reyes admitted that defensive lapses could spell trouble for his team after its 112-114 overtime defeat to the Converge FiberXers in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup on Sunday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Reyes pointed to TNT’s inability to consistently contain Converge as a major concern, stressing that the team must address its defensive shortcomings regardless of the opponent it faces in the playoffs.
“We had some terrible, terrible defensive lapses. ‘Yan ang kailangan naming ayusin, maski sino ang kalaban namin,” Reyes said after the loss.
The TNT mentor acknowledged the challenge awaiting his squad against the league’s top contenders, noting that Converge’s performance underscored the level of competition they must be ready to handle.
He described the FiberXers as one of the hottest teams in the league and emphasized that TNT must find a way to match their intensity and impose its own style of play.
“It’s going to be a battle of, as usual, the team that is able to impose its will,” Reyes said.
The coach made it clear that TNT’s chances against a strong playoff opponent would depend heavily on its defensive execution.
“But if we defend the way we did tonight, wala kaming pag-asa. Our only chance is to be able to defend against that strong opponent,” he added.
Despite the setback, the Tropang 5G finished the Group A stage with a 7-5 record, good for fourth place, and will turn its attention to the quarterfinals. (Adrian Co)
