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| PBA chairman Ricky Vargas paid his TNT team a visit at its locker room. Dennis Acosta (file photo) |
By Ivan Saldajeno
QUEZON CITY--Having to play all-Filipino following the relieving of Jeremy Tyler, all TNT took was a visit by its team governor to get a huge motivation entering its PBA Commissioner's Cup match against Blackwater at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Friday night.
"Boss Ricky Vargas gave us a good motivation as we started the game," Coach Nash Racela said after the game.
So what did Vargas, the PBA board chairman and POC president, told the KaTropa?
"'All of you are imports,' sabi niya," Racela answered.
And his players put that to heart.
Seven TNT players led by Ryan Reyes scored in double figures as the team mauled Blackwater, 120-101.
[Related Story: All-Filipino TNT romps winless Blackwater]
More than that, the KaTropa grabbed 60 rebounds compared to the Elite's 47.
They also succeeded in limiting Jarrid Famous to just 11 points with four turnovers.
"It's nice that the locals are really up to the challenge," Racela continued. "Everybody was ready to contribute. Hats off to them."
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
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