RP Nationals survive pounding from Ginebra

image from Nuki Sabio of PBA.ph

Jayvee Casio played like clockwork in the second half of last night’s Game 3 semis match between Smart-Gilas and the Bgy. Ginebra Gin Kings. He finished with 30 points, behind the strength of 7 triples to lead the Nationals past Jong Uichico’s hard-fighting (quite literally) enforcers.

Despite falling behind by 10 at the half, the Nationals turned it around thanks to a quicker pace and sharper shooting in the third quarter. They just coasted from then on to ensure that there would be a fourth game.

image from Nuki Sabio of PBA.ph

After the game, Smart-Gilas mentor Rajko Toroman talked to the press about how his boys don’t play dirty, and that they’re only here to play ball. This, of course, is a not-so-subtle stab at the way the Gin Kings have been playing the Nationals, which is, in a manner of speaking, far from royal treatment.

Anyone who’s even remotely familiar with the PBA knows that Ginebra has been, is, and will continue to be one of the most physical teams around, but, especially against the young-and-fresh-from-college Nationals, their play will only make them look like bullies. These bullies, however, can close it out in Game 4. Whatever happens, I just hope we’ll still have a National Team after this series.