RR Pogoy leads TNT in heated semis opener vs. Rain or Shine

RR Pogoy posed a serious challenge to Rain or Shine, fueling a 98-91 breakaway victory to open their best-of-seven PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup semifinals affair on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

The veteran guard, who had just joined the league's 5,000-point club, picked up where he left off and ignited the Tropang 5G in the fourth quarter, hitting a floater and a four-point shot over Adrian Nocum to give the grand slam-seeking TNT a crucial 81-74 lead.

The Elasto Painters, though, refused to concede with Andrei Caracut sparking a rally by sinking three of four free throws off a foul from Pogoy, 93-87, in the final 47.4 seconds. 

Nocum and Jhonard Clarito then converted two quick baskets in a span of five seconds to trim the deficit to a single possession, 95-91, with 16 tickets left. 

It didn't help Rain or Shine's cause when it was dealt a huge blow after head coach Yeng Guiao was ejected from the court after incurring two technical fouls.

Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser then threw down a slam to punctuate the win for TNT. 

But more than the offense, TNT head coach Chot Reyes felt it was their defense that made the win possible, crushing Rain or Shine in the rebounding department with 59 boards against the 44 of the Elasto Painters. 

"I thought our defense held, we know that Rain or Shine's the second-highest scoring team in the league. So we really wanted to keep them, if possible, below 90," TNT head coach Chot Reyes said. 

"I think that was the difference-make, our ability to force them to play half court and when they play halfcourt, we have a better chance of playing defense."

Pogoy, who churned out 28 points, two rebounds, and four assists, shared it was their endgame composure that spelled the difference, especially against a relentless Rain or Shine side.

"Siguro 'yung hindi pagmamadali, dahan-dahan lang. 'Yun 'yung malaking tulong," Pogoy said. 

"Palaging sinasabi sa akin ng mga coaches na 'pag umaatake, dahan-dahan lang kasi palagi akong nagkka-turnover dati so ayun 'yung malaking factor."

Aside from Pogoy, few other heroes emerged for TNT with the big men tandem of Poy Erram and Ganuelas-Rosser both tallying double-double outings. 

Erram posted 16 points and 10 rebounds while Ganuelas-Rosser registered 13 markers and 10 boards. Clavin Oftana and Simon Enciso both chipped in 10 markers while Jordan Heading had 11. 

Scores:

TNT 98 – Pogoy 28, Erram 16, Ganuelas-Rosser 13, Enciso 12, Oftana 12, Heading 11, Khobuntin 6, Williams 0, Galinato 0, Aurin 0, Vosotros 0.

Rain or Shine 91 – Caracut 16, Clarito 14, Nocum 13, Norwood 12, Tiongson 12, Mamuyac 6, Malonzo 6, Santillan 5, Porter 4, Datu 3, Asistio 0.

Quarters: 23-23, 41-41, 63-58, 98-91.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News