TNT recovers, nears PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals

Sports

ONE more win and the TNT Tropang Giga will be competing for the championship once again.

The Tropa bounced back from a tough loss the last time out, beating the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 93-85, in Game 4 of their best-of-seven semifinal series in the 49th PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday night, March 5, at the Araneta Coliseum.

Recovering from a 98-103 loss in Game 3, TNT surged to a 3-2 series lead, needing just one more win to secure its 24th Finals appearance.

The Tropa played without ace playmaker Jayson Castro, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in their Game 3 loss.

Stepping up big in Castro’s absence were Calvin Oftana and RR Pogoy, who scored at least 20 points each to complement Rondae Hollis-Jefferson’s productive outing.

Oftana fired 26 points, Pogoy tossed in 22, while Hollis-Jefferson put in 17 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and two blocks.

Deon Thompson had a big night but his monstrous performance proved not enough to make it two-in-a-row for the now beleaguered Rain or Shine.

Thompson finished with 44 points and 13 rebounds but the Elasto Painters are facing a daunting task of beating the mighty Tropa three-in-a-row to make it to the title round.

THE SCORES

TNT (93)– Oftana 26, Pogoy 22, Hollis-Jefferson 17, Nambatac 12, Aurin 9, Erram 4, Williams 3, Razon 0, Khobuntin 0.

RAIN OR SHINE (85)– Thompson 44, Datu 8, Asistio 8, Caracut 6, Tiongson 6, Clarito 5, Nocum 4, Mamauyac 4, Norwood 0, Santillan 0

QUARTERSCORES: 26-21, 53-43, 73-67, 93-85.(CCM)