TNT downs Rain or Shine, moves a win away from another finals stint

TNT moved a win away from another finals stint after taking down Rain or Shine, 108-92, on Wednesday in Game 4 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals at the Mall of Asia Arena.

With the victory, the Tropang 5G took a 3-1 lead in the series.

The Tropang 5G were trailing 47-41 by the end of the first half before they pulled away in the third period with back-to-back baskets from Calvin Oftana opening the said frame. Andrei Caracut's freebies put a pause on TNT's run but consecutive triples from Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and Jordan Heading handed the lead to the Tropang 5G.

Rain or Shine and TNT went neck-and-neck and were eventually tied at 67 before the latter made a 9-0 run to claim the lead anew. After free throws from Gian Mamuyac off a Glenn Khobuntin foul, Galinato and Khobuntin then closed the third period with an 80-69 lead for the Tropang 5G.

TNT, who played without Kelly Williams in the second half, continued to pound on Rain or Shine and took its biggest lead, 95-76, with less than eight minutes left in the fourth period, before cruising to the victory.

Ganuelas-Rosser had 22 points, 11 rebounds, and a block, while Jordan Heading had 23 points, six assists, five rebounds, a steal, and a block. Oftana logged 16 points, seven boards, and four assists, before he went out of the game due to an apparent sprained ankle.

Gabe Norwood flashed his old form with 18 points, nine rebounds, an assist, and a steal, while Caracut had 16 points, seven assists, and two rebounds.

Game 5 of the semis will be played on Friday.

Scores:

TNT 108 – Heading 23, Ganuelas-Rosser 22, Oftana 16, Khobuntin 16, Galinato 8, Erram 8, Aurin 7, Vosotros 6, Heruela 2, Nieto 0, Enciso 0, Williams 0.

Rain or Shine 92 – Norwood 18, Caracut 16, Tiongson 15, Nocum 12, Santillan 9, Datu 7, Mamuyac 7, Clarito 4, Malonzo 2, Asistio 2.

Quarters: 22-28, 41-47, 80-69, 108-92.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News