Does TNT’s PBA Philippine Cup campaign lack the presence of do-it-all import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson?

Although he wouldn’t say it, shooting guard Roger Pogoy acknowledges that the Tropang 5G are getting used to life without the former NBA player.

“Honestly, galing kami sa dalawang conferences na nandun si Rondae, so talagang nag-aadjust din kami,” Pogoy stated after Converge defeated TNT 100-94, handing the network its second consecutive defeat in the season-ending conference.

The Twin Towers of Justin Arana and Justine Baltazar combined for 23 rebounds as the FiberXers defeated the Tropang 5G 48-38, but they were brutally outscored 58-28 inside the paint.

Converge took advantage of the Tropang 5G’s poor start for the second consecutive game, taking a 45-23 lead halfway through the second stanza thanks to a basket from Schonny Winston.

“Ang sama ng start namin. Hindi namin makuha yung laro namin,” Pogoy said. “Pero buti naman nung second half doon medyo maganda-ganda.”

After consecutive defeats, the team wasn’t prepared to make its bold run for a grand slam, according to the new father of a bouncy baby boy.

“Yung first game kasi alam namin wala kaming tune-up games, medyo nangangapa pa. Pero itong second game, nakalaro na kami nung una. Kaya hindi namin ini-expect talaga ito,” The Far Eastern University guard, 32, was under stress.

Pogoy finished with 15 points, including 11 in the second half when he rallied the Tropang 5G alongside Calvin Ofana, Rey Nambatac, and Poy Erram, but ultimately lost.

After the birth of his second child late Friday night, the 6-foot-2 Pogoy stated that he is not expected to participate against Converge.

Due to his wife’s and his newborn son’s requirements, he was unable to practice on Saturday.

The Scores

Converge 100 – Arana 22, Baltazar 21, Winston 19, Stockton 19, Garcia 6, Racal 5, Suerte 4, Nermal 2, Santos 2, Delos Santos 0, Santos 0, AMbohot 0, Corpuz 0.

TNT 94 – Oftana 33, Pogoy 15, Nambatac 12, Erram 9, Enciso 9, Williams 8, Khobuntin 5, Aurin 3, Varilla 0, Razon 0.

Quarter scores: 28-16; 53-35; 71-65; 100-94.