Roger Pogoy

Roger Pogoy focuses on D to get offense back on track

Roger Pogoy stepped up when the stakes were highest to lead the TNT Tropang Giga past the mighty San Miguel Beermen in the semifinals, and book a spot in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup finals opposite the Magnolia Hotshots.

The Cebuano’s performance was a timely one considering his struggles from the field in Game Six where he tallied just six points. However, with a finals berth at stake, the former University of Cebu Junior Webmaster rose to the occasion and had 27 points on 10-of-19 shooting from the field, including several three-pointers in the fourth quarter that hammered nails into the Beermen’s coffin.

After the game, the pride of Talisay City said that his head coach, Chot Reyes, spoke to him and asked that he focus on defending San Miguel’s cadre of sharpshooting guards led by Terrence Romeo and Marcio Lassiter.

“To be honest, coach (Chot) came to me and asked that I not focus on my offense. Before, the Gilas used to get me primarily because of my defense. My offense will just follow,” shared Pogoy.

Roger Pogoy
Roger Pogoy / PBA

As great as Pogoy was in scoring the ball on Sunday, his defense was just as stellar as he helped keep Romeo and Lassiter in check. Romeo was held down to just nine markers before coming off the game due to an injury while Lassiter scored no points, missing all eight of his attempts from the field.

“I just focused on my defense on both Terrence and Marcio. I’m just blessed that my offense came,” Pogoy added.

With San Miguel out of the way, now comes the arduous task of facing off against the Magnolia Hotshots, a team that also has its fair share of outstanding offensive players that Pogoy needs to contend with, led by the prolific Paul Lee.

“If San Miguel was already a tough opponent, Magnolia will surely be tougher,” said Pogoy. “They’re playing very well and there’s a reason why they’re in the finals.”

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