CALVIN Oftana hit the tying free throws to end regulation and big shots in overtime to lead TNT to a 113-105 victory over Rain or Shine in Game 2 of the PBA 49th Season Philippine Cup on Friday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Oftana carried a banged-up TNT on his shoulders in the extra period by nailing three free throws with 7.7 seconds left in regulation to keep TNT’s momentum going after coming back from 18 points down.
READ Pogoy sits out after fiery start due to hamstring injury fears
The Gilas Pilipinas mainstay finished with a game-high 39 points to help TNT endure the loss of top-scorer RR Pogoy due to a suspected groin injury and take a commanding 2-0 lead in their best-of-seven semifinal series.
Pogoy left the game in the second quarter and never returned.
Oftana had seven points in overtime including a three-pointer that broke a 101-101 tie, and later a lay-up that brought TNT’s lead to eight points, 111-103.
“It’s just the next man up mentality. The way the team is constructed is so that we can have depth in these positions just in case something like that happens,” said a relieved TNT coach Chot Reyes, referring to Oftana’s performance following Pogoy’s injury.
It was a sorry defeat for Rain or Shine, which was already ahead, 41-23, early in the second quarter. The Elasto Painters also looked headed for a come-from-behind win when a 15-0 run capped by a Caelan Tiongson three got them ahead, 91-90.
Gian Mamuyac, who fouled Oftana that led to the game-tying free throws, had a wide-open three-point shot in the final seconds but missed the attempt before being outscored, 14-6, in the extra period.
Jordan Heading also had a solid showing with 13 points, 11 assists, six rebounds, and two steals for the Tropang 5G.
Adrian Nocum had 27 points but missed two free throws with 2:17 left in regulation that would have expanded ROS’ lead. Tiongson added 18 points for the Elasto Painters.
The scores:
TNT 113 – Oftana 39, Heading 13, Pogoy 11, Williams 9, Ganuelas-Rosser 8, Aurin 7, Nieto 7, Erram 6, Vosotros 6, Khobuntin 4, Enciso 3.
Rain or Shine 105 – Nocum 27, Tiongson 18, Mamuyac 16, Clarito 16, Santillan 7, Caracut 6, Norwood 6, Asistio 3, Malonzo 2, Ildefonso 2, Datu 2.
Quarters: 21-25; 50-52; 78-70; 99-99; 113-105.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
