‘Winning instincts’ show up for Calvin Oftana

TNT Tropang Giga’s Calvin Oftana during the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals Game 5 against Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Coming off a frustrating loss in Game 4 of the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals, TNT’s Calvin Oftana bounced back big to push the Tropang Giga on the cusp of back-to-back titles.

Although not scoring more after finishing with 26 in the previous game—Oftana was more efficient on Wednesday night in Game 5, which he credits to his winning instinct.

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READ: PBA Finals: TNT rebounds with Ginebra demolition for 3-2 lead

“Masama lang ata pakiramdam ko kaya gano’n nangyari [last game],” said Oftana in jest after their 99-72 win over Ginebra. (I think I just felt under the weather last game.)

“It was just my instincts. I know my capabilities, I work on them in training every day. On and off the court, whether they see it or not, I work on my offense… I’m thankful that I have a backup from my coaches and teammates who really support me.”

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Oftana finished with 15 points on a blistering 60 percent field goal shooting clip while also snagging eight rebounds.

READ: PBA Finals: Calvin Oftana ‘frustrated’ by few 2nd half touches in Game 4

It was also the Gilas forward’s defense that spelled TNT’s fortunes as he helped put Justin Brownlee to an off-night.

The longtime Ginebra import, thanks to Oftana and company’s staggering defense, scored just eight points after sinking just three of his 13 attempts from the field.

Even if the Tropang Giga are a win away from going back-to-back, Oftana knows they’ll have to work harder than they did on Wednesday.

And he’ll rely on his winning instinct to do just that for Game 6 on Friday, still at the same venue.

“I have an instinct to win… We’ll have to double down on defense. However tight we were defensively tonight, we have to double that as our way of winning this championship.”