‘Don’t want to go on vacation yet’: Roger Pogoy after helping TNT beat Magnolia in PBA quarterfinals

The TNT Tropang Giga kept their hopes of securing an elusive Grand Slam of titles alive after registering an exciting 89–88 victory over the Magnolia Hotshots in the quarterfinals of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup on Wednesday, June 18, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Veteran guard Roger Pogoy led the way for TNT, scoring 30 points and exploding in the fourth quarter to ultimately propel Tropang Giga to victory. He received solid support from Calvin Oftana (21 points), Kelly Williams (12), Jordan Heading (10), and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser (10), with the entire team contributing to a collective effort.

Pogoy revealed after the game that he was not ready to go on vacation just yet—an attitude that helped inspire his teammates to an important win.

WATCH: Roger Pogoy talks about how motivated TNT was before their bout with Magnolia. | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/qHuvFhXd7Q

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) June 18, 2025

“My mindset coming into this game was really just about me not wanting to lose. I don’t want to go on vacation yet. We also read Magnolia’s defense, because last time, we had so many turnovers. I guess that was our turning point,” Pogoy said.

Notably, TNT entered this game on the back of a loss to Magnolia in their final elimination round match, and Tropang Giga head coach Chot Reyes was not pleased with the team’s performance.

Pogoy admitted that Reyes’ strong words after the defeat motivated the team to give everything on the court against the same opponents.

“When the coach asked us what we really wanted, it added fuel to all of us. It’s like we were all willing to die just to get the win. Sometimes, he lets us be and we relax, but once he gets mad, he will really wake you up,” he added.

Tropang Giga’s victory nullified Magnolia’s twice-to-beat advantage, with both teams now set to battle for a spot in the semifinals. The do-or-die game will take place on Saturday, June 21, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

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