Rain or Shine aims to put up a strong stand against TNT in the crucial Game 5 of their PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup semifinal series on Friday, Oct. 18.
On the brink of heading to the exits, Rain or Shine is determined to extend its PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup semifinal series when it battles defending champion TNT in Game 5 on Friday, Oct. 18, at the Ynares Center Antipolo.
The Elasto Painters failed to sustain the momentum of their 110-109 victory in Game 3 as they succumbed in Game 4, 79-81, to trail the series, 1-3.
They will tangle at 7:30 p.m. with a Tropang Giga crew eager to finish them off for a spot in the finals.
Despite the setback last Wednesday, Oct. 16, the Elasto Painters can continue to lean on import Aaron Fuller, who delivered another strong performance with his 22 points, 18 rebounds, two assists and a steal in Game 4.
Much is expected of Fuller as he stands his ground against TNT's reliable reinforcement Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.
Rain or Shine’s only win in the best-of-seven joust came in Game 3, where it eked out a 110-109 victory.
Offensive contributions from Santi Santillan (20 points), Jhonard Clarito (15 points), Felix Lemetti (11 points) and Adrian Nocum (10 points) helped lead to that lone success.
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The team will need similar efforts from their young core, along with better showings from veteran Beau Belga, who has struggled with just six points and three rebounds in Game 4.
Elasto Painters coach Yeng Guiao will need to come up with a defensive scheme to contain Hollis-Jefferson, who has consistently put up impressive numbers in the series.
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In Game 4, Hollis-Jefferson filled the stat sheet with 23 points, 19 rebounds, five assists, five steals, and five blocks, including a decisive dunk in the final moments.
Stopping him, along with his former charges Rey Nambatac and Calvin Oftana, will be crucial for Rain or Shine.
While TNT has managed to field in veterans Jayson Castro and Kelly Williams after injury issues, Rain or Shine’s young guns such as Clarito, Nocum, Gian Mamuyac and Andrei Caracut must rise to the occasion.
The Elasto Painters must channel the energy from their Game 3 win and find ways to consistently execute on both ends of the floor. With its season on the line, expect Rain or Shine to come out swinging in what could be its last stand in the semifinals.
[Editor's note: This article was generated by a member of the One Sports Digital team using AI and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]