BRANDON Ganuelas-Rosser is just the perfect match TNT needed against Magnolia's Zavier Lucero in a battle of the big men that serves as sidelight to the Tropang 5G-Hotshots PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals series.
The former no. 1 pick held his own against Lucero in his comeback outing for TNT after a one-game suspension, and finished with 10 points and six rebounds in the 89-88 win that forged a sudden-death outing between the two teams on Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Ganuelas-Rosser scored five straight points in the stretch run including a corner three-pointer that served as springboard to the TNT win.
Lucero, a contender for the Best Player of the Conference, meanwhile had 14 points, four rebounds, and three assists.
Despite getting the win, Ganuelas-Rosser has nothing but respect for the Magnolia sophomore.
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"He's a really good player and he's having a really good conference. He's like kind the catalyst for that team. And I just want to make things difficult for him," said the former Gilas Pilipinas stalwart of Lucero.
TNT coach Chot Reyes said having Lucero back in the roster after missing its last game in the eliminations against Magnolia, gave the Tropang 5G a matchup against Lucero.
"We really felt his absence the last game because Zavier Lucero really killed us," said Reyes of BGR, who was meted a one-game suspension for his flagrant foul 2 against Barangay Ginebra's Troy Rosario.
"At least we have somebody to match up with him (Lucero). There's not one person who can stop Zavier. He's a very talented player. But at least kahit kaunti may matchup siya instead of Glenn (Khobuntin) who is three or four inches shorter."
Ganuelas-Rosser hopes to give Lucero another good challenge in their Saturday meeting as the two teams try to stay alive and save their respective season.
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"Just try to be physical, just try to match his energy because he's a high energy guy. The next game I have to continue and match that energy," he said.(RG)
