MANILA, Philippines – TNT did not need to look far for motivation as it zoned in on the PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals.
With injured veteran Jayson Castro as inspiration, the Tropang Giga gained a 3-1 lead over Rain or Shine in their best-of-seven semifinals after a 93-85 victory in Game 4 at the Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, March 5.
Calvin Oftana chalked up 26 points, 4 assists, and 3 rebounds to show the way for a TNT side that moved within a win of a second straight finals appearance after its title romp in the Governors’ Cup earlier this season.
“Losing kuya Jayson is a big thing, so we’re offering our remaining games to him,” said Oftana. “Kuya Jayson is a big factor for us, but it should not be one person who should fill his shoes, it should be us as a team.”
The absence of Castro after he injured his right knee in Game 2 took its toll on the Tropang Giga as they dropped Game 3 on Sunday, March 2.
But it did not take long for TNT to regain its bearings.
Aside from Oftana, Roger Pogoy also powered the local mob with 22 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists, while import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson turned in an all-around outing of 17 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks.
Rey Nambatac added 12 points and Kim Aurin chimed in 9 points, with 5 coming in the final two minutes.
The Elasto Painters were still within striking distance after a Jhonard Clarito trey cut their deficit to 81-86 with 1:40 minutes left, but Aurin answered with his own three-pointer.
Oftana pushed the Tropang Giga lead to 91-81 with a layup before Aurin sealed the triumph by knocking down two free throws.
“I just challenged the players to be better,” said TNT head coach Chot Reyes. “We just wanted to make sure that we play better today and put in better effort. I think the players responded very well.”
Import Deon Thompson did most of the heavy lifting for Rain or Shine with a conference-high 44 points on top of 13 rebounds, but he lacked help from the locals as the Elasto Painters teeter on the brink of another final four exit.
Last conference, Rain or Shine also bowed to the Tropang Giga in the semifinals.
No other Elasto Painters player finished in double-figure scoring, with sophomore sensation Adrian Nocum limited to just 4 points on 1-of-7 shooting.
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.
Quarters: 26-21, 53-43, 73-67, 93-85.
– Rappler.com