Rain or Shine (ROS) finally broke through in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals, avoiding another late-game collapse and defeating TNT Tropang Giga 103-98 in Game 3 of their best-of-seven series at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.
Clutch Performance Seals the Victory
Gian Mamuyac, Adrian Nocum, and Caelan Tiongson stepped up in the closing moments, ensuring the Elasto Painters held off a strong comeback attempt led by TNT’s Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. Despite a last-minute rally that included two four-pointers from Hollis-Jefferson, ROS maintained composure and sealed the win with crucial free throws.
Coach Guiao’s Strategy Pays Off
Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao acknowledged Hollis-Jefferson’s efforts but emphasized the team’s focus on making him work for his points. “We just wanted to give ourselves a chance to win in the endgame,” Guiao stated. After losing the first two games by narrow margins, ROS is determined to extend the series and push it to a Game 7.
Balanced Contributions from Rain or Shine
- Deon Thompson overcame a scoreless first quarter to finish with 19 points and 15 rebounds.
- Tiongson added 18 points and 7 rebounds.
- Nocum contributed 16 points and 8 rebounds.
- Anton Asistio chipped in 12 points.
TNT Struggles Without Jayson Castro
Despite a 34-point explosion from Hollis-Jefferson, TNT struggled without veteran playmaker Jayson Castro, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in Game 2. Roger Pogoy delivered his best scoring performance of the series with 21 points, while Calvin Oftana (13 points) and Poy Erram (10 points) also contributed.
The absence of Castro was evident in TNT’s ball movement, as their assist numbers dropped from an average of 16.5 in the first two games to just 11 in Game 3. Rain or Shine, on the other hand, capitalized with 14 more assists and even led by as much as 69-56 in the third quarter.
Looking Ahead
With the series now at 2-1 in TNT’s favor, Rain or Shine is focused on extending the battle. Guiao emphasized their preparation for a long series, managing player minutes carefully to stay fresh for a potential Game 7.
The Elasto Painters will aim to carry this momentum into Game 4 as they continue their fight to even the series.
The Scores :
RAIN OR SHINE 103 – Thompson 19, Tiongson 18, Nocum 16, Asistio 12, Mamuyac 9, Santillan 8, Clarito 7, Norwood 7, Datu 4, Caracut 3, Lemetti 0.
TNT 98 – Hollis-Jefferson 34, Pogoy 21, Oftana 13, Erram 10, Williams 8, Aurin 8, Nambatac 2, Khobuntin 2, Heruela 0, Razon 0.
QUARTERS: 21-21, 49-43, 75-73, 103-98
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