Rain or Shine Fights to Stay Alive Against TNT in Crucial Game 6 Showdown
PBA Philippine Cup Semifinals Reaches Tipping Point
The PBA Philippine Cup semifinals intensify as Rain or Shine Elasto Painters aim to sustain their newfound momentum against a determined TNT Tropang Giga squad in a high-stakes Game 6 this Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Rain or Shine Finds New Life
After falling behind 1-3 in the best-of-seven series, Rain or Shine showed resilience and firepower in Game 5, securing a convincing 113-97 win. The victory trimmed TNT’s series lead to 3-2 and kept alive head coach Yeng Guiao’s hopes of extending the battle all the way to a winner-take-all Game 7.
“We’ve never been this close to the finals,” said Guiao. “Ayaw naming sayangin ‘yung opportunity na ito. While there’s a chance, kahit mahirap, we’ll take what we have.”
Guiao believes the longer the series stretches, the more it favors his team. With a deeper rotation and renewed confidence, the Elasto Painters are embracing the grind and trusting their system.
TNT Still in Control—But Feeling the Pressure
Despite the Game 5 setback, TNT still holds a 3-2 advantage and remains just one win away from a third consecutive finals appearance this season. A finals berth would keep the team’s rare Grand Slam hopes alive, further fueling their motivation.
However, their recent loss came with key absences. Head coach Chot Reyes served a one-game suspension after accumulating five technical fouls, while veterans Kelly Williams (ankle sprain) and Roger Pogoy (hamstring) also missed the match. Reyes returns for Game 6, providing much-needed leadership on the sidelines. The status of Williams and Pogoy remains uncertain, though both are being monitored closely.
Calvin Oftana was a bright spot for TNT in Game 5, dropping 23 points—though he was limited to just three points in the second half. The trio of Jordan Heading, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, and Poy Erram, who exploded for a combined 53 points in Game 4, struggled in Game 5 with just nine points total. Expect them to come out with a vengeance.
Guiao’s Focus: Compete, Execute, Believe
Coach Guiao remains grounded in his approach. “Every time we play, we just compete, run what we do in practice,” he said. “If our game holds up, we win. If not, we accept the result—as long as we gave it our best.”
More than tactics, Guiao is banking on hunger and desire. “I think we’re hungrier than they are,” he added. “Alam natin naghahabol sila ng Grand Slam, pero dalawa na ‘yung championships nila. Baka pagod na rin sila. Kami naman.”
What’s at Stake
For TNT, it’s a shot at history and a potential sweep of the season’s championships. For Rain or Shine, it’s a golden opportunity to break through and rewrite the script. Game 6 is more than just a match—it’s a battle of heart, depth, and staying power.
All eyes now turn to the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where both teams will look to impose their will and define the fate of this electrifying semifinal series.