MANILA, Philippines — In just its third game in the PBA, Hong Kong Eastern experienced first hand Metro Manila’s traffic in the month of December where Filipinos are preparing for the Holiday season.
Arriving just in time for the warm up, Eastern however, managed to keep its composure, adjusting well after a tight first half, before heating up in the last two quarters to shoot down TNT, 105-84 in their Commissioner’s Cup showdown on Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
“This was a big problem, we had our players taped in the bus, and resting in the bus because we didn’t fix well the time we need (heading to the venue). Now we know Manila very well,” Eastern head coach Mensur Bajramovic said, drawing laughs among sports writers during the post-game interview.
The foreign guest squad had to negotiate through a heavy three-hour traffic jam coming from its hotel in Cubao, and just making it in time for the 7:30 p.m. match against the Governors’ Cup champion TNT.
“Yes, it (traffic) was really a problem to be honest, if you’re asking about this. From the bus straight to the court is not really good,” said Bajramovic.
However, the Bosnian coach mentioned that facing the Tropang Giga was an even bigger concern at that moment, knowing that the coach Chot Reyes-led ball club is just a month removed from winning the Governors’ Cup crown.
“But the biggest concern actually was TNT, the team we played against,” he said. “I know they won the last championship. They started slow but for sure they get it back, and will be very good for the rest of the season.”
American import Cameron Clark and Hayden Blankley triggered Hong Kong’s offensive in the last two periods, a stretch that saw Eastern outscore TNT, 58-37 to chalk up its third win in four starts.
The Eastern reinforcement tallied a game-high 36 points and grabbed 24 rebounds, while Blankley had his own double-double of 24 points and 10 boards.
Glen Yang returned from a one-game absence and chipped in an all-around effort of 19 points, six rebounds and eight assists, while Ramon Cao had 17.
The Eastern “foursome” accounted for all 10 of the foreign squad’s three-point shot.
Hong Kong managed to bounce back from its 99-81 beating at the hands of Rain or Shine last Wednesday.
