Jayson Castro had his worst game in years, but he still played hero for TNT KaTropa in their win over Barangay Ginebra in Game One of the Oppo PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals.
The multiple Best Player of the Conference awardee struggled for 1-of-10 shooting from the field. However, he reserved his only successful basket during the most crucial stretch of the match: a dagger trey with 14 seconds left to ensure KaTropa’s win.
“Actually, ayoko nga na itira niya yung huli kasi nga nagmimintis eh. But Jayson will always be Jayson. He was really born for these moments. He was struggling the whole game,” TNT coach Nash Racela said during the post-game interview.
Castro finished with four points, his worst output since Game 7 of the 2011 Governors Cup finals where he was limited to two points, according to PBA head of statistics Fidel Mangonon III.
Racela believes Castro will bounce back big time in Game Two.
“He hit the biggest shot of the game. He’s been struggling, but it’s good for him. Next game, he will explode,” Racela confidently said.
