A Powerful Start to the Semifinal Showdown
The TNT Tropang Giga opened their PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series with a strong statement, carving out a hard-fought 98-91 victory over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Veteran guard Roger Pogoy spearheaded the win with a game-high 28 points, stepping up when his team needed him most in the final frame.
With the best-of-seven series underway, TNT drew first blood thanks to their composure in the fourth quarter, solid team effort, and timely execution. Pogoy, who had 13 points in the fourth quarter alone, provided the offensive spark that separated the Tropang Giga from a gritty Rain or Shine squad.
Pogoy Ignites TNT’s Breakaway Run
Rain or Shine managed to rally from a 60-69 deficit to close the gap to just one, 72-73, midway through the fourth. But that’s when Pogoy took over. Whether it was pull-up jumpers, drives to the basket, or timely movement without the ball, the Gilas mainstay demonstrated his clutch gene and veteran poise.
Support came from the rest of TNT’s core. Poy Erram chipped in 16 points and 13 rebounds, while Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and Calvin Oftana also recorded double-doubles, tallying 13 points and 10 rebounds, and 12 points and 10 rebounds, respectively. Simon Enciso also had crucial buckets during the game’s turning point.
Defense Wins the Day for Tropang Giga
Though the offense did shine in spurts, head coach Chot Reyes emphasized defense as the true cornerstone of their win. Rain or Shine entered the game as the second-highest scoring team in the league, averaging over 108 points per contest. But TNT’s disciplined defense forced the Elasto Painters into halfcourt sets, limiting their fast-paced attack and holding them to just 91 points—well below their season average.
“I thought our defense held. We really wanted to keep them below 90. We almost did that except we gave up a lot of fouls in the end,” Reyes shared after the game. “That was the difference-maker—our ability to force them to play halfcourt. When they play halfcourt, we’ve got a better chance of defending them.”
Dominance on the Boards
TNT also asserted control in the rebounding department, outworking Rain or Shine 59-44 on the glass. The Tropa’s 15-8 edge in second-chance points proved vital in a game that featured nine deadlocks and eight lead changes. The hustle on the boards not only created more scoring opportunities but also helped slow Rain or Shine’s transition offense.
Rain or Shine’s Balanced Effort Falls Short
Despite the loss, Rain or Shine showed flashes of brilliance. Andrei Caracut led the team with 16 points, while at least four other Elasto Painters scored in double figures. However, their 35-of-86 shooting from the field and 8-of-35 from three-point range revealed their inconsistency, especially in the second half. Their inability to keep pace in the rebounding battle and second-chance efforts ultimately cost them the game.
Rain or Shine had a couple of five-point leads during the game, including a promising 51-46 edge early in the third quarter. But defensive lapses and missed outside shots allowed TNT to regain control.
Looking Ahead: Game 2 on Friday
With Game 2 scheduled for Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, TNT holds the early momentum. A second straight win would put them in strong position to possibly repeat their 4-1 series victories over Rain or Shine earlier this season in the Governors’ Cup and Commissioner’s Cup.
Still, Reyes insists that his team isn’t looking backward. “Hindi na namin iniisip ‘yung nakaraan. The past series is already history,” he said. “We’re only concerned with the present—and right now, our only concern is the next game.”
Key Stats:
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Roger Pogoy: 28 points (13 in 4th quarter)
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Poy Erram: 16 points, 13 rebounds
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Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser: 13 points, 10 rebounds
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Calvin Oftana: 12 points, 10 rebounds
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TNT Total Rebounds: 59 (vs. Rain or Shine’s 44)
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Rain or Shine FG Shooting: 35-of-86 (40.7%), 8-of-35 from 3 (22.9%)
Game 1 delivered the intensity expected from two battle-tested teams. While TNT took the first step forward in the series, Rain or Shine will look to bounce back quickly and even the odds. As the series unfolds, fans can expect more physical play, momentum swings, and defining performances from both sides. For now, the spotlight belongs to Pogoy and the Tropang Giga, who proved they’re more than ready for this championship-caliber clash.