PBA: Chot Reyes hopes TNT returns to form after long break

TNT coach Chot Reyes during a game against NLEX in the PBA Governors’ Cup.–PBA IMAGES

Coach Chot Reyes is banking on the long break in order for on-and-off TNT to get into the form it desires in the PBA Governors’ Cup.

The Tropang 5G absorbed a 118-111 overtime loss to the NLEX Road Warriors on Tuesday to go down at 4-4, and will now have to give a hard look at themselves with the conference set for a respite until October.

“We have to rest and we have to get better,” Reyes said. “Right now, our game is nowhere near good enough. Hopefully, we can find enough wins to get to the playoffs.

“But right now, our game is very far from being good enough,” he added.

TNT looked like it was on the cusp of taking the win over NLEX when it led by five twice in the final minute of the contest held at Ynares Center in Antipolo.

But two four-point shots from Robert Bolick, including one that sent the game into overtime, enabled NLEX to steal one over its sister team.

The Road Warriors also came out victorious despite losing import DeQuan Jones to a horrific leg injury during the third quarter, prompting Reyes to blame himself for the loss against an import-less side.

“We gave up two four-point shots,” he lamented. “We should have had better defense than that. But it’s just bad coaching on my part.”

TNT resumes its campaign on Oct. 7 at Ninoy Aquino Stadium against Terrafirma, with the possibility of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson making his return from an Achilles injury.

Hollis-Jefferson’s brother Rahilr has been TNT’s import for the last four games after replacing Darius Days.