Jojo Lastimosa commends TNT defense for shutting down hardworking Meralco

TNT’s defender terrorized Meralco import KJ McDaniels. – PBA PICTURES

ANTIPOLO CITY – Coach Jojo Lastimosa praised TNT for limiting Meralco’s offense in Game 1 of the PBA Governors’ Cup semifinal series on Friday.

Billed as a matchup between the Bolts’ offense against the defense, Tropang Giga was successful on both ends of the floor and won 110-80 to get a headstart in the best matchup at the Ynares Center here.

“We know Meralco is a team that works hard and nobody can handle it. And if we can match their energy and intensity, we should be okay,” said Lastimosa.

“I know we can score and we can get some points somewhere, but the concern is that we can match their defense,” he said.

TNT raced to a 31-19 lead at the end of the first quarter, not only thanks to the all-around contributions of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson but also limiting Meralco to just 33 percent from the field.

Tropang Giga was not disappointed and led slowly until the end.

“In the first half, (Meralco) shot 36 percent and I was surprised because it was a pretty good defensive job because we gave up about 46 percent in the eliminations,” said Lastimosa.

Lastimosa also thought that Meralco entered with a tired body as they had to go through a tough overtime match against Magnolia last Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to make it to the Final Four.

“It looks like Meralco lacks energy and maybe it’s an emotional victory for them and maybe they’re on top, so there’s a lot of reasons,” the TNT mentor said, adding that he expects Meralco’s coach. Norman Black to make a significant adjustment in Game 2 on Friday.

“He knows how to adjust in situations like this.”

Your subscription cannot be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.