Wanted: TNT Katropa Bench Scoring

Last August 7, the San Miguel Beermen came from behind to force overtime against the TNT Katropa. However, one extension period is not enough in Game 2 of the PBA Commissioners Cup 2019 Finals. In the end, the five-time reigning Philippine Cup champions escaped with a 127-125 win to level the series count at one apiece.

Normally, games that long help players pad their stats. That’s why Terrence Romeo registered 29 points despite coming off the bench to play 37 minutes. Christian Standhardinger added seven. But as impressive those two reserves are for SMB, the same thing can’t be declared for the Katropa. Only ex-Beermen Brian Heruela scored from the TNT bench (5) although four of them checked into the game.

It would be forgiven if that 37-5 discrepancy in bench points seem to be an anomaly. However, it has been the recurring theme through four games. But despite the almost non-existent production of the TNT reinforcements, the squad has won two games and could have clinched a third if not for shaky shooting at the charity stripe in game we mentioned.

Top heavy, bottom empty?

Head coach Bong Ravena and consultant Mark Dickel are lucky to have the top individual awardees this conference. Terrence Jones has decimated defenses since day one and he shredded SMB for 41 points in the Finals opener. Meanwhile, Jayson Castro remains the fluid offensive weapon that he is whether by slashing through the lane or draining perimeter jumpers.

They are supported by Roger Pogoy who torched San Miguel with 29 points in Game 3 including key three-point baskets in the fourth quarter. Likewise, Troy Rosario logged 34 markers in the double OT loss and has been a steady contributor in all four games.

Finally, Don Trollano has come of age by proving that he is not just a defensive specialist. Aside from his uncanny ability to find the right spot for a rebound, he has averaged a shade under 15 points per contest in the championship round. Unfortunately, this is where the bright spots end for TNT as the team’s bench has contributed close to nothing.

Only Heruela and Ryan Reyes have chipped in points from the Katropa’s back-ups. The former has 17 points to his name while the 2008 PBA Rookie of the Year made a three-point basket in Game 1. That 20-point total is easily surpassed by Romeo’s 29. Add Christian Standhardinger’s 30 markers and the bench battle isn’t even close.

A per game comparison reveals how TNT’s utilities have severely under-performed. SMB owned a 25-8 edge in bench points in the first game and a 31-4 rout in game three. Game four’s count is at 11-3 but still went the Beermen’s favor. Considering the sub-par act each game, they are lucky to have lost by an average of just 3.5 points.

Why is the bench struggling?

It’s not that they don’t have decent players as the Katropa have Heruela, Reyes, Jay Washington, and David Semerad. However, Reyes and Semerad don’t have a clean bill of health while Father Time has seemingly caught up with Washington. Heruela is more of a stopper and facilitator although he did score 11 points in Game 3 of last year’s Philippine Cup Final versus Magnolia.

As a result, the TNT starters are playing with little rest. Pogoy has four games of playing at least 40 minutes under his name while Castro has three. Both Rosario and Trollano have two. Jones have clocked beyond that in all matches, including Game 4 where he played all 48 minutes.

What should happen?

Their ploy is working up to now. But things might turn for the worst if adjustments are not made. With the series extended for at least two more games, TNT must find a way to pace their starters and lessen their minutes. It’s easier said than done given the caliber of their opponents. Replace some of their starters and SMB can easily pull away.

Having Rosario or Trollano coming off the bench might do the trick. Allow Yousif Taha to do his best in stopping Junemar Fajardo and any basket he will get would be a plus. Once he gets into foul trouble, sub in any of those two normal starters. Aside from cutting into their minutes, it guarantees TNT of an offensive option with the second unit. Points can still trickle in to help them preserve their lead or stay within striking distance.

As the series gets longer, the more that both teams need all the help they can get. Luckily, the Katropa’s starters are younger that their counterparts in terms of average age. Sadly, their legs might get weak and their shoulders get heavy if their bench remain this way. That physical toll can be the determining factor whether TNT will lift the championship trophy or not.

(Photo taken from TNT Tropapits Facebook page)