MANILA, Philippines – with a 1 to 0 series lead, the TNT Tropang Giga are realistic enough to realize that they haven’t accomplished anything and still have their work cut out for them against the Meralco Bolts.

Although Coach Jojo Lastimosa hasn’t spent much time with the Tropa, he has been around the league long enough to be familiar with the Bolts’ personality and their history as a PBA Governors’ Cup contender.

“He was alluding to the 2016 Final Four matchup, where Norman Black’s teams swept past the company after dropping the opener,” he said of the Bolts’ performance after losing their first game and winning three straight over TNT.

Moreover, Meralco fought back to win the series after TNT had leads of 1 to 0 and 2 to 1 in their 2019 semifinal match.

In their PBA Season 47 Governor’s Cup semi final matchup against the Bolts at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday at the Antipolo Ynares Sports Center, Lastimosa and his team must maintain vigilance.

Commenting on Meralco’s work ethic, the Tropang Giga coach noted that the team is a hardworking squad that always comes out with energy, adding that nobody can outwork them.

Chris Newsome had a meager 10-point game the previous time, making Lastimosa extremely leery of him, just 48 hours after a 33-point outburst in their quarterfinal victory over the Magnolia Hotshots.

Lastimosa expressed an eager preparedness when asked about his and the team’s disposition.

The Tropang Giga rarely slowed down after taking the field, despite their commanding wire-to-wire victory in the opening game of the series on Wednesday.

Yet, despite the 30-point rout, Lastimosa won’t let it get to him.

Black, the coach of the Tropang Giga, emphasized the need for his team to be stronger, faster, and quicker when playing against a talented opponent.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, an import from TNT, is the main target.

Black, the coach of the Tropang Giga, expressed his hope of finding a way to work defensively against TNT’s reinforcement, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who he observed was providing his teammates with open looks off his penetrations.

The coach stated that it would be a challenge for the Bolts’ import, KJ McDaniels, to go up against a tough opponent in Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. The coach added that McDaniels needs to improve his game to help the team succeed in the series because he believes the kid is quite excellent.

Pogoy poured in 21 points on the strength of 5-of-8 three-point shooting, while Hollis-Jefferson put up a triple-double with 22 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists along with two steals and two blocks. In addition to contributing with at least 12 points each, Calvin Oftana, Mikey Williams, and Jayson Castro also participated.