By REYNALD MAGALLON
For a change, Rain or Shine’s conference isn’t ending in Game 5 of the semifinals this season
The Elasto Painters pounced on the depleted TNT Tropang 5G, 113-97 to live to fight for another day in PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Friday, July 4.
Gian Mamuyac typified the sense of urgency for ROS, scoring 16 of his 22 points in the opening frame before his hot shooting rubbed off on the rest of the Elasto Painters who ripped the game apart in the third frame.
The win did not only allow the Elasto Painters to force a Game 6 but also break the series of misfortunes that befell the team when they lost their first two semifinals matchup against the Tropang 5G both on 4-1 outcome.
Jhonard Clarito did a little bit of everything with 19 points, seven rebounds and five assists while Keith Datu, Andrei Caracut and Adrian Nocum all finished with 11 each.
The three were even the catalyst to ROS’ scintillating 15-4 run to open the third frame, allowing the Elasto Painters to erect a 74-56 advantage from a 59-52 count.
There was simply no looking back for ROS from there as the lead even ballooned to its largest at 35, 99-64 in the fourth quarter.
Calvin Oftana, who had a strong start had 21 of his 23 points in the first half to carry the fight for TNT but was not enough especially with the team missing head coach Chot Reyes on top of the the injuries of the Tropang 5G.
Kelly Williams was out of commission, joining Jayson Castro, Rey Nambatac and RR Pogoy on the sickbay.
Rain or Shine gets the chance to tie the series and put all the pressure on the side of TNT in Game 6 on Sunday, July 6 still at the Big Dome.
The 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
