Calvin Oftana and the defending champion TNT Tropang are two wins away from reaching back-to-back PBA Governors’ Cup Finals appearances.
For the second straight game, TNT won the third quarter battle over Rain or Shine, and it was all the Tropang Giga needed for a repeat outcome.
Calvin Oftana finished with a double-double and the defending Governors’ Cup champion smothered the Elasto Painters, 108-91, to take a 2-0 series lead in their PBA Governors’ Cup semifinal series.
Oftana finished with 18 points and 14 rebounds for TNT, who outscored Rain or Shine, 38-21, in the third quarter and led by as many as 26 points.
In both games of the series, the Tropang Giga enjoyed a 76-44 advantage in the total points scored in the third period of this one-sided semis showdown so far.
The no. 1 defensive team throughout the eliminations only allowed Rain or Shine to less than 100 points for two consecutive games.
TNT opened the second on an 8-0 run to build their first double-digit lead at 55-44 which was capped off by a Oftana corner triple with 10:08 seconds left.
From that point, the floodgates have opened for the Tropang Giga as their lead ballooned to 22 points entering the fourth quarter, 87-65.
It was a tight battle for both teams in the first half but TNT managed to take a slim 47-44 halftime lead.
Meanwhile, Jhonard Clarito topscored Rain or Shine with 18 points as import Aaron Fuller was limited to just 13 points, six rebounds and three turnovers.
Only Clarito and Fuller put up double-digit scoring for the Elasto Painters, who now found themselves in a 0-2 hole.
Despite committing less turnovers tonight with 16 compared to 22 in Game 1, they could not match TNT's surging second half en route to surrendering another must-win game.
Rain or Shine rookie Caelan Tiongson missed his third straight game due to a right calf injury.
Game 3 of this semifinal series continues on Sunday, October 13 at the Dasmarinas City Arena, Cavite at 7:30 p.m.
The Scores:
TNT 108 -- Hollis-Jefferson 23, Oftana 18, Nambatac 17, Aurin 11, Pogoy 8, Galinato 8, Erram 6, Khobuntin 6, Castro 5, Heruela 5, Payawal 1, Ebona 0, Varilla 0, Exciminiano 0
Rain or Shine 91-- Clarito 18, Fuller 13, Caracut 9, Lemetti 9, Belga 9, Norwood 9, Datu 8, Santillan 5, Nocum 3, Villegas 3, Mamuyac 3, Asistio 2, Ildefonso 0.
Quarterscores: 17-21, 47-44, 85-65, 108-91