Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters looked nothing like the same team that thrived on defense to capture the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup title.
Well, at least in their last two games in the ongoing Governors’ Cup.
“Sobrang sama ng defense namin. For two games more than 200 points yung binigay namin,” said Talk ‘N Text star Jayson Castro moments after his team absorbed its second straight loss at the hands of the Meralco Bolts, 119-85.
Read: Meralco demolishes Talk ‘N Text for 2nd straight win
Talk ‘N Text also suffered a narrow 123-120 defeat to the GlobalPort Batang Pier in its previous outing.
“Problema talaga namin ang defense. Kahit anong sama ng offense mo kapag hindi ka dumedepensa wala talagang mangyayari.”
He added, “We need to focus on defense kasi ito ang nagpa-champion sa amin e. Once na maganda ang defense namin, yung offense susunod na.”
Castro frolicked with a sterling performance of 34 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals against GlobalPort, but it did little to help the team get the win.
He was a dud during Tuesday’s loss to the Bolts, scoring just 16 points with six assists.
Read: Inspired GlobalPort arrests two-game skid with win over Talk ‘N Text
But the best point guard in Asia said the team’s fate doesn’t hinge on his performance.
“Hindi naman laging sakin (offense), kailangan din mag-step up ng teammates ko. Kasi, tulad kanina, maganda defense sakin ng Meralco, tina-trap nila ako,” he said.
“Kailangan ko i-involve mga teammates ko. Maganda naman assists ko, pero nawala lang aggressiveness ko sa offense kasi tinitignan ko mga teammates ko.”
