Jayson Castro drains clutch three as TNT gets back at Converge
A vintage Jayson Castro stepped up when it mattered most, sinking a cold-blooded three-pointer as TNT exacted their revenge against Converge, 98-91, claiming a share of the top spot in Group A during the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 8.
On the brink of a significant collapse, Castro took control in the final stretch, delivering a difficult step-back triple over Alec Stockton with just 1:09 remaining, enabling the Tropang Giga to establish the crucial separation and improve their record to 5-1, now tied with the Meralco Bolts.
This shot not only spared the Tropang Giga from embarrassment after they nearly squandered a commanding 21-point lead, as the FiberXers closed the gap to just two in the final minutes, but it also provided the poetic justice that TNT craved.
With Castro’s clutch three, the Tropang Giga turned the tables on the FiberXers in a scenario reminiscent of their earlier encounter, where TNT suffered defeat after a dramatic four-point play by Converge’s Scotty Hopson.
Import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson shone brightly with 21 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds, spearheading the Tropang Giga’s initial surge, even as his impact waned in the latter half. Fortunately, the local players rose to the occasion, with Rey Nambatac contributing 17 points and Castro adding 14.
Calvin Oftana also made his mark with 14 points, including a critical two points from a powerful putback layup that kept Converge at bay, sealing the score at 98-91 with just 28 seconds left on the clock.
After building their largest lead at 60-39, TNT faced a sudden resurgence from Converge, who unleashed a blistering 14-3 run to narrow the gap to 10, at 63-53. The Tropang Giga managed to stabilize their position, even extending their lead to 78-67 heading into the final quarter, but the FiberXers were determined not to go quietly, slicing the deficit down to a mere two points, 93-91, following a Schonny Winston layup with 1:28 remaining.
That moment only set the stage for Castro’s heroics, as he turned back the clock to deliver the decisive blow.
Justin Arana led Converge with 16 points, while Winston recorded a substantial double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds. Alec Stockton also chipped in with 15 points, but the absence of their import, Hopson, was keenly felt in this matchup.
After a stellar performance of 32 points and the game-winner in their first encounter, Hopson struggled to find his rhythm, settling for just 13 points as the FiberXers sank further, enduring their third consecutive defeat.
