PBA: Rain or Shine completes comeback, snaps TNT’s four-game streak

Rain or Shine erased an 18-point deficit to defeat TNT, 91–89, on Saturday in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Aquilino Pimentel Jr. International Convention Center in Cagayan de Oro City.

With the win, the Elasto Painters improved to 6–2 and bounced back from its loss to NLEX, while the Tropang 5G slipped to 5–2 and absorbed its first defeat after a four-game winning run.

TNT led by as much as 18, 24–6, early in the first quarter before ending the first half with a 54–42 advantage.

However, Rain or Shine mounted a rally in the second half, trimming the gap to seven, 81–74, by the end of the third quarter.

From there, the Elasto Painters opened the final frame with a 9–0 run to seize the lead, 83–81, before Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser tied the game to halt the surge.

The game turned into a back-and-forth affair, with Rain or Shine holding a slim 90–89 edge entering the final two minutes.

The Elasto Painters then clamped down defensively, limiting the Tropang 5G to just eight points in the fourth quarter, while a Jhonard Clarito split from the line sealed the victory.

Gabe Norwood, who recently announced his impending retirement, finished with 16 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and a steal, while Gian Mamuyac added 14 as the respective past and present team captains led the Elasto Painters.

Rey Nambatac and RR Pogoy scored 18 points apiece, while Jordan Heading and Henry Galinato chipped in 15 and 13 points, respectively, for the Tropang 5G.

Scores:

Rain or Shine 91 – Norwood 16, Mamuyac 14, Santillan 8, Clarito 8, Tiongson 7, Nocum 7, Caracut 7, Lemetti 6, Asistio 5, Malonzo 4, Belga 4, Manaytay 3, Pringle 2.

TNT 89 – Nambatac 18, Pogoy 18, Heading 15, Galinato 13, Williams 9, Aurin 6, Jalalon 4, Ferrer 3, Ganuelas-Rosser 3, Khobuntin 0, Erram 0.

Quarters: 18-31, 42-54, 74-81, 91-89.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News