PBA: Rain or Shine escapes TNT in heated game, spoils Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson’s debut

Rain or Shine held on to escape TNT in a heated affair, 119-112, to formalize its playoff entry in the 2023 PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Elasto Painters improved to 5-5 while the Tropang Giga slipped to 4-6.

TNT gained some measure of momentum when they broke a tie at the third quarter to head to the payoff period holding a slim 91-89 lead.

The Elasto Painters, however, retaliated with Santi Santillan burying a triple to cap off an 11-0 run for a 103-94 lead. 

TNT, though, refused to just fold with Calvin Oftana tying things up at 104-all before a Kim Aurin layup, which was initially called as an offensive foul, was later on counted following a coach’s challenge. This gave the Tropang Giga the lead back with 3:49 left.

Andrei Caracut then sank four crucial free throws as Rain or Shine regained a pivotal 110-106 cushion. 

The game was halted with less than a minute left when Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who was out for good this conference due to a neck injury, went to the Rain or Shine bench and had some verbal exchanges with the Elasto Painters.

WATCH: An upset Rondae Hollis-Jefferson heads to the Rain or Shine bench as TNT trails, 106-115, with a minute left in the game @gmasportsph pic.twitter.com/9kbldxOqDa

— Bea Micaller (@beamicallerrr) January 5, 2024

Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao described Rondae's act as 'disrespectful.'

“That’s disrespectful.”

Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao reacts on Rondae Hollis-Jefferson’s verbal exchange near their bench late in the fourth vs TNT @gmasportsph pic.twitter.com/AroyyYg0H1

— Bea Micaller (@beamicallerrr) January 5, 2024

Rondae, meanwhile, said he was just approaching the referees.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson clears the air regarding the incident, stressing he didn’t go to ROS bench but just approached the referees. @gmasportsph pic.twitter.com/R7CsXqGMoO

— Bea Micaller (@beamicallerrr) January 5, 2024

Still, the incident did not affect Rain or Shine as they closed out the game on top.

Demetrius Treadwell led the Yeng Guiao-mentored squad with 25 points, 24 rebounds, and four assists while spoiling his counterpart Rahlir's 50-point explosion. The latter was activated by TNT after Rondae sustained an injury during TNT's game in EASL.

Scores:

Rain or Shine 119 – Treadwell 25, Caracut 23, Nambaatc 19, Belga 16, Santillan 10, Clarito 9, Mamuyac 8, Norwood 4, Datu 4, Asistio 1, Borboran 0.

TNT 112– Hollis-Jefferson 50, Oftana 37, Aurin 7, Galinato 6, Khobuntin 6, Heruela 3, Montalbo 2, K.Williams 1, Reyes 0, Ganuelas-Rosser 0, Ponferrada 0.

Quarters: 32-31, 66-62, 89-91, 119-112.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News