Rain or Shine dominates Chot-less TNT to extend semis series

Rain or Shine dominated TNT sans head coach Chot Reyes, 113-97, in Game 5 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

With the victory, Rain or Shine notched its second win in the semis, but TNT still leads the series with three wins.

The Elasto Painters also maximized the absence of Reyes who was suspended after incurring his fifth technical foul in the conference last Wednesday. 

After leading 56-52 by the end of the first half, TNT pulled away in the third period, by erupting for 37 points and limiting the Tropang 5G to just 12 points. Andrei Caracut and Keith Datu led the Elasto Painters in their third quarter romp with 7 points apiece, while only four players scored for TNT in the said frame, six points coming from Simon Enciso.

TNT tried to catch up in the fourth period but it was too late as Rain or Shine had its biggest lead, 99-64, after a Jhonard Clarito layup which opened the fourth quarter. The Elasto Painters held off TNT then to cruise to the victory.

"A win is a win. A chance to get to the finals is a chance to get to the finals. I think we're hungrier than they are," Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao said.

"Alam natin naghahabol sila ng Grand Slam pero nakadalawang championship na sila, pero baka pagod na sila, baka nagsawa na sila," Guiao added in jest.

Gian Mamuyac had 22 points, 16 from the first quarter alone, to pace the Elasto Painters, while Clarito had 19 points, seven rebounds, five assists, a steal, and a block. Adrian Nocum, Andrei Caracut, and Keith Datu had 11 points apiece.

Calvin Oftana had 23 points, while Enciso had 20 points for the Tropang 5G as they played without injured key players RR Pogoy and Kelly Williams.

Game 6 of the semis will be played on Sunday.

Scores:

Rain or Shine 113 – Mamuyac 22, Clarito 19, Nocum 11, Caracut 11, Malonzo 8, Tiongson 8, Asistio 7, Santillan 7, Ildefonso 5, Porter 2, Norwood 2, Borboran 0, Escandor 0.

TNT 97 – Oftana 23, Enciso 20, Khobuntin 13, Aurin 13, Galinato 9, Vosotros 8, Ganuelas-Rosser 4, Heading 3, Erram 2, Heruela 0, Nieto 0, Varilla 0.

Quarters: 28-24, 56-52, 93-64, 113-97.

 —JKC, GMA Integrated News