Hudson embraces task of battling high scorers

TNT import Jalen Hudson. – PBA PICTURES

Jalen Hudson hit a shutout in the first of two games against fellow imports who recently reached the half-century mark, a task he relishes.

“I like the challenge,” Hudson said after leading TNT to a 131-109 win over Jordan Williams and Terrafirma on Saturday in the PBA Governor’s Cup.

Neither reinforcement hit the 50-point barrier at the Mall of Asia Arena, but produced big offensive numbers with Hudson hitting 36 and Williams hitting 38 games.

But it was Hudson who ultimately prevailed as Tropang Giga secured their fifth win in six conference games at the end of the season.

“Jolas (TNT coach Jojo Lastimosa) told me last night and through training that he was going to be early, he wanted me to slow down a bit,” Hudson said.

Next up for Hudson is a showdown with another import who has breached the 50 mark when Tropang Giga faces struggling Troy Williams and Blackwater Bossing on Wednesday at the same venue.

Williams dropped 55 in the first show for Bossing, but it all went down the drain against Dyip, led by Jordan Williams ’57.

TNT’s match against Blackwater will be the lead into a tough schedule that awaits the squad.

Three of the four teams played by Tropang Giga after the Bossing match against teams considered favorites or among those at the top of the standings are Meralco (February 17), Bir San Miguel (February 19) and Barangay Ginebra. (March 17).

NorthPort (March 15) is the only team in the homestretch of TNT’s schedule with a losing record.

Hudson missed just three shots against Terrafirma, at times looking like he recklessly converted outside attempts. Mikey Williams added 26 points.

Also key in the victory that saw TNT pull away in the second quarter after using the opening period to score Jordan Williams and Terrafirma were RR Pogoy, Calvin Oftana and veteran Kelly Williams.

“We know they will make a shot even if they are contested and we are fine,” Lastimosa said of Terrafirma’s reinforcements.

“We changed a little bit, we just didn’t want him to get into the groove by dribbling left and right. That was one of the main keys for tonight. But the scorer can always score. Jordan is a very good player. We are okay with him making shots even if he is contested .

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