Defending champion TNT looks to bank on its Game 1 win as it tangles anew with Rain or Shine in the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup semis on Friday, Oct. 11.
Defending champion TNT aims to capitalize on its Game 1 victory over Rain or Shine as it pushes for a 2-0 edge in their best-of-seven semifinal encounter in the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup on Friday, Oct. 11, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
Match unfurls at 5 p.m.
In the series opener last Wednesday, Oct. 9, the Tropang Giga emerged victorious, 90-81, as it anchored on the near triple-double performance of import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.
Hollis-Jefferson put up 26 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists, while also adding five steals and four blocks to help secure the early series advantage for his squad.
He capped his sterling performance with a quadruple that beat the shot clock buzzer, snuffing out the hopes of the Elasto Painters as TNT upped its lead to a comfortable 90-79 with just under two minutes remaining.
Hollis-Jefferson admitted his notable performance did not come easy as it seemed as he pointed out how Rain or Shine actually made it hard for him to deliver. The reinforcement just shot 40 percent from the field or 10-for-25 and also stumbled to five turnovers in 46 minutes of play.
[ALSO READ: Coach Yeng Guiao rues Rain or Shine's turnovers but remains positive despite Game 1 loss]
Though RHJ outshone Elasto Painters counterpart Aaron Fuller, who piled up 18 points, 21 rebounds, two assists and a steal despite being under foul trouble, Tropang Giga coach Chot Reyes is hoping that his primary import stopper Kelly Williams will be back healthy in Game 2.
Williams sustained a calf injury late in the first period and asked to be subbed out. He did not return after that.
Poy Erram and Henry Galinato reliably held the fort in his absence.
TNT also saw a spark from Rey Nambatac, who had an inspired performance against his former team, Rain or Shine.
Nursing a stomach illness in the first half, Nambatac only scored four points. But he came alive after vomiting at the start of the second half, pouring in 11 crucial points in the third quarter. His timely baskets helped TNT gain a comfortable 75-66 cushion entering the fourth period.
Despite the Tropang Giga's victory, Rain or Shine remains a threat, and the Elasto Painters will look to bounce back in Game 2.
Fuller will need to lead his team in mounting a response, and his matchup against whoever defends him — whether it’s Williams, Erram or Galinato — will be critical to the outcome.
[Editor's note: This article was generated by AI and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]