At one point in the Titan Ultra Giant Risers’ 132‑128 win over the Macau Giant Pandas on Tuesday, it looked like the former would be running away with it. In the first half, Titan Ultra’s lead ballooned to 29 points, 66‑37, as the Giant Risers got hot from the field.
But things changed in the second half, particularly in the fourth quarter.
The Giant Pandas tightened up defensively and began taking better shots on offense, trimming the deficit to just six points. Still, Titan managed to protect its lead and escaped with the victory.
Sajonia Stresses Defense
For Titan Ultra guard Bryan Sajonia, the key in the end was getting back on defense because Macau thrives in transition.
“Sabi lang sa amin kailangan kami bumaba sa depensa kasi more on fastbreak and kailangan magka‑stop kami especially ‘yung nagdadala ng bola, mag‑stop ball lang kami agad,” Sajonia explained to Rebanse.
The NCAA Season 101 Finals MVP finished with 13 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals in 14 minutes off the bench.
Confidence Is Key
Aside from making crucial defensive stops in the fourth quarter, the former San Beda Red Lions guard said he remained confident that his team would come away with the victory.
“Confident lang talaga ako na makukuha namin ‘yung panalo and ‘yun nga, ‘yung confidence din ng mga coaches na binibigay sa akin na sabi sa akin kapag libre ako, ititira ko,” said Sajonia.
It’s a positive sign that, despite nearly blowing a 29‑point lead, Sajonia and the Giant Risers were not discouraged. Now that they have secured their second win of the PBA Governors’ Cup, they will look to build on that confidence as they prepare to face TNT Tropang 5G and the San Miguel Beermen in their next two games.
