Even Reynel Hugnatan was surprised of his scintillating shooting on Saturday, providing the spark as Meralco gained a 2-1 series lead after a 119-113 triumph over top seed TNT.
“Hindi ko nga alam kung bakit pumasok yun eh,” he said. “Sabi lang ni coach, pag open itira lang.”
Known as a bruising forward throughout his career, the 37-year-old unleashed another facet in his game, receiving the rock from beyond the arc and calmly sinking threes, much to the shock of the KaTropa.
Hugnatan went on a perfect 5-of-5 shooting clip from threes before being forced to heave one late in the game. Though his final attempt missed, no one could deny that his hot shooting propelled the Bolts late, as he finished with 21 points in the huge victory which put Meralco on the brink of its first franchise Finals appearance.
“Sabi lang ni coach nung time na yun, ini-spread nya ko. Buti tumatama naman ang tira ko kaya tira na lang ng tira pag open,” said the Bacolod native.
But it wasn’t a surprise in any way for coach Norman Black, who said, “Reynel is one of our most consistent shooters in practice.”
Though still on a high after that big win over TNT, Hugnatan said that Meralco is still keeping its feet on the ground as it eyes for the upset on Monday.
“Di namin iniisip muna yung Finals dahil may isang game pa,” he said. “Ano mang ginawa namin ngayon, sana makita namin next game. Alam din namin na TNT yan at hindi sila pwede baliwalain. Tatrabahuin pa rin namin yan.”
Game 4 is on Monday, still at Smart Araneta Coliseum.