Talk ‘N Text deputy coach Sandy Arespacochaga has a lot to thank for members of their 3×3 team, which helped them get off a seven-game hump in the PBA on Tour.
With the help of Almond Vosotros, Lervin Flores, Samboy De Leon, Ping Exciminiano, and Gryann Mendoza, the Tropang GIGA subdued the Phoenix Super LPG, 96-88.
The 3×3 team combined for 41 points, 22 rebounds, and six assists, with Vosotros finishing with 16 points capped by four three-pointers, while big man Lervin Flores had nine and a game-high 13 rebounds.
“Ang laking bagay ng 3×3 players namin to help with our regular players,” said Arespacochaga, who has been calling the shots in the absence of head coach Jojo Lastimosa.
TNT went on a dry spell without their usual lineup of Jayson Castro, Roger Pogoy, Poy Erram, Mikey Williams, Kelly Williams, and Calvin Oftana. TNT’s roster got whittled further after Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, JD Tungcab, and Paul Varilla got sick.
That left Glenn Khobuntin, Kib Montalbo, Carl Bryan Cruz, Dave Marcelo, and the comebacking Brian Heruela to hold the fort. Added to the preseason lineup are San Beda players Clifford Jopia, Damie Cuntapay, Peter Alfaro, and JV Gallego.
“So medyo combination na kami ng three teams, our TNT team, our San Beda team, and the Triple Giga. Kaya joint effort from all the parties involved,” said Arespacochaga. “So we really thanked the management for the help.”
