Elam and Castro provide key help to RHJ and Nambatac as TNT dominates Game 1 vs. Ginebra

Poy Elam’s composure and Jason Castro’s experience worked in TNT’s favor as they beat Barangay Ginebra in the PBA Governor’s Cup finals.

Their contributions in front of a packed crowd at the Ynares Center here in Antipolo City on Sunday night were key to Tropang Giga’s 104-88 victory in what could be a head-to-head battle in the best-of-seven title series. I set the mood.

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“They’re veterans and they know what to do in these situations,” said Tropang Giga, who got off to a strong start before slowly crushing the Gin Kings’ chances of a comeback in the second half, and the 11,021-capacity venue Coach Chot Reyes said after achieving the record.

Elam vowed to be mentally prepared not only for his opponents, but for the Ginebra faithful as well, shutting them up with 15 points on six attempts, including two from beyond the arc, without missing a single one. . He also grabbed four rebounds and helped workaholic Ronde Hollis-Jefferson.

Meanwhile, Castro took advantage of the youth of Ginebra’s RJ Abarrientos with his quick-witted moves on offense, scoring 12 of his 14 points in the third quarter, helping Ginebra get off to a hot start in Tropang Giga. tried to close the gap, then allowed TNT to escape.

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“Their job was to really stabilize and take advantage of opportunities,” Reyes said. “I thought Poi played great defense, and that helped because we wanted to keep Ginebra off the glass.”

“Jason saw an opportunity in the third quarter and credits his teammates for giving it to him.” [the chance] and made sure he was in the right place to attack. ”

Game 2 on Wednesday

RR Pogoy and Ray Nambatak also stepped up as TNT topped Group A with 8 wins out of 10 games and continued their strong run to this point with methodical wins over NLEX and Rain or Shine in the playoffs. .

Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum, with Tropang Giga looking to build a 2-0 lead against the Gin Kings, who will use the three days off to make significant adjustments.

Hollis-Jefferson had 19 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and three blocks, Nambatak chipped in with 18 in the first game of the PBA Finals, and Pogoy added 12 points for the Tropang Giga.

Justin Brownlee dropped 23 points and Japeth Aguilar scored 14, but Ginebra had to lament a flat start and having to play catch-up the rest of the way.

The Gin Kings missed their first 18 3-pointers but finished the night making 2-of-21.

“We’ve been practicing pretty well for this game. We knew we were going to get off to a strong start, but… [we] I also expected Ginebra to get off to a strong start and I think that was the difference,” Reyes said.