TNT survived the absence of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Jayson Castro in the homestretch to overcome Rain or Shine, 93-91, on Friday in the PBA 49th Season Commissioner’s Cup at the Philsports Arena.
The Tropang Giga held on after Hollis-Jefferson fouled out with still 5:36 left in the fourth quarter and Castro suffered a scary injury at the 3:07 mark, his situation looking dire as he was brought straight to the hospital in a stretcher.
Adrian Nocum missed an open jumper from the corner at the end of the game, allowing TNT to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven semifinal series.
READ Jayson Castro taken to the hospital after twisting knee in Game 2
TNT actually went scoreless after Hollis-Jefferson fouled out as Rain or Shine scored nine straight points, but the Elasto Painters couldn't get over the hump as Nocum missed the missed jumper at the end.
TNT coach Chot Reyes said it was their defense that allowed the Tropang Giga to stay ahead in the absence of Hollis-Jefferson and Castro.
“It’s just our ability to go to our strength which is our defense,” said Reyes. “Without Rondae and without Jayson, our two closers, in fact, they were the two highest scorers in this game, it was incumbent upon our defense to hold the fort.”
Poy Erram had 11 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks, while RR Pogoy and Kim Aurin each had 10 for TNT, which will go for a commanding 3-0 lead in Game 3 on Sunday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Deon Thompson had 22 points and 14 rebounds, while Nocum added 19 including six in the fourth quarter for the Elasto Painters, who lost another close one after an 88-84 defeat in the series opener last Wednesday.
The scores:
TNT 93 – Hollis-Jefferson 28, Castro 13, Erram 11, Aurin 10, Pogoy 10, Williams 8, Oftana 7, Khobuntin 3, Nambatac 3.
Rain or Shine 91 – Thompson 22, Nocum 19, Mamuyac 11, Tiongson 10, Clarito 9, Caracut 7, Datu 7, Santillan 6, Belga 0, Asistio 0.
Quarters: 24-24; 54-44; 81-75; 93-91.
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.
