Nambatac key as Pogoy remains doubtful
Rey Nambatac is stepping up to help TNT rise from a betrayal.
The former Letran hotshot proved to be a total package in the Tropang 5G’s 96-91 conquest of San Miguel Beer in Game 1 of the Philippine Cup Finals and vows to be consistently productive in the absence of veteran wing Roger Pogoy.
“It would’ve been nice if Roger were here, but injuries happen. We can’t predict it, injuries are traitors,” Nambatac told the Inquirer after producing 11 points, six assists and five rebounds on late Wednesday evening at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
“While he’s healing and recovering, I’ll do maybe 25 or 50 percent of the things he does for the team and the rest, we’ll just work on together,” he added after the gritty victory over the reigning all-Filipino kings.
Pogoy injured his hamstring in TNT’s semifinal duel vs Meralco and continues to be questionable for the series.
“Wala pa, eh (no update yet),” coach Chot Reyes told reporters when asked about Pogoy’s availability after Game 1. “It might take a week or at least a week before we can determine his status.”
Without Pogoy, TNT’s trusty sniper, Nambatac partnered with playmaker Jordan Heading to spearhead the team’s backcourt.
Heading finished with 13 points and eight rebounds, while Calvin Oftana added 13 and 10 boards. Simon Enciso also provided some backcourt spark with 10 points, while veteran Kelly Williams came through with 15 points and nine rebounds. Off the bench, Henry Galinato added 12 points.
It is this all-around contribution that Nambatac hopes will be enough for TNT in Game 2 on Friday, when the Tropang 5G tries to seize a commanding 2-0 series lead.
