Layout by: Avrianne Cabate
Published by: Patrick Lance Guerra
Date Published: March 7, 2025
Time Published: 7:00 AM
Rain or Shine Elasto Painters put themselves on the board in the best-of-seven series, as they escaped TNT Tropang GIGA, 103-98, in Game 3 of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 49 Commissioner's Cup semifinals at Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, March 2.
Adrian Nocum came up big in crunch time as he scored 8 out of his 16 points in the fourth quarter to spark a 10-4 run that fended off a late surge by TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson as Rain or Shine cut the series' deficit to 1-2.
Nocum was named player of the game after producing 16 points, 8 boards, and four assists. Deon Thompson top-scored for Rain or Shine with 19 points and 15 rebounds, while Caelan Tiongson contributed 18 points and 7 rebounds.
"We're hoping we can push this series into a long series. At least ngayon, naka-2-1 kami. That means a minimum of five games na 'to. Gusto namin umabot ng seven games eh. We're physically and mentally prepared to play seven games in this series. We designed our management of our minutes to be able to still be fresh for a Game 7. But for now, isa-isa muna," said Rain or Shine Coach Yeng Guiao after the game.
After a close 49-41 halftime, a pivotal 13-4 run capped by a Leonard Santillan three-pointer gave Rain or Shine a 69-56 lead in the third quarter.
However, TNT refused to go down without a fight. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and John Paul Erram trimmed the deficit as the 3rd quarter ended with a 75-73 scoreline.
Nocum scored on a lay-up off a crossover move against Roger Pogor and over two defenders to extend Rain or Shine's slight advantage to 90-86.
A Thompson jumper, followed by Nocum's free throws, gave Rain or Shine crucial breathing room at 94-88. Tiongson then drove to the basket for a layup, stretching the lead to 98-90 with just 16 seconds remaining.
Hollis-Jefferson kept TNT in the fight, sinking a clutch four-point shot to make it a one-possession game, 101-98, with four seconds remaining. However, time wasn't on TNT's side, as Gian Mamuyac sealed the victory with two free throws.
Hollis-Jefferson led the way for TNT with a game-high 34 points and 19 rebounds in a losing effort. Pogoy added 21 points, while Calvin Oftana added 13 for TNT.
"Ang gusto lang namin, alam naming i-score si RHJ. Ang gusto lang namin, every time he scores, he works for it, he earns it," said Coach Guiao.
Rain or Shine aims to bounce back and even the series in Game 4 on Wednesday, March 5, at Araneta Coliseum.
IMAGE SOURCE:
Bacnis, J. (2 March 2025). TieBreaker Times. https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/rain-or-shine-holds-off-tnt-late-to-take-pba-semis-game-3/329166?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2cPWYM9JeA5TO_QZYssPwd14TuQMUDkAR94kuaNlald9BSn8t6KG1qj0g_aem_jCVldXCXP3YSNSVsNn6Vww
REFERENCES:
[1] Caacbay, J. F. K. (2025, February 28). PBA: TNT holds off Rain Shine in thriller, goes up 2-0 | ABS-CBN Sports. ABS-CBN. https://www.abs-cbn.com/.../pba-tnt-holds-off-rain-shine…
[2] Terrado, R. (2025, March 2). Rain or Shine finally breaks through, trims TNT lead to 2-1. Spin.ph. https://www.spin.ph/.../rain-or-shine-beats-tnt-in-game-3…
[3] Bacnis, J. (2025, March 2). Rain or Shine holds off TNT late to take PBA Semis Game 3. Tiebreaker Times. https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/.../rain-or-shine.../329166
[4] Rain or Shine beats TNT in Game 3, keeps series close. (n.d.). News | PBA - the Official Website. https://www.pba.ph/.../rain-or-shine-beats-tnt-in-game-3…
[5] Escarlote, M. (2025, March 2). SIGNS OF LIFE: Rain or Shine shocks TNT in Game 3. Daily Tribune. https://tribune.net.ph/.../signs-of-life-rain-or-shine…
[6] RecAp | PBA - the official website. (n.d.). https://www.pba.ph/recap?match=189
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