TNT leads Rain or Shine in the the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup semifinals, 3-1, and the Tropang Giga go for the finisher in Game 5.
With a 3-1 series lead, TNT Tropang Giga will try to deliver the finishing blow and punch their ticket to the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup Finals when they battle Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in Game 5 on Friday, March 7.
The match starts at 5:00 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
[RELATED STORY: Chot Reyes had 'simple' challenge for TNT in Game 4: 'Just make sure you are better today’]
The Tropang Giga are playing with extra motivation, rallying behind injured veteran Jayson Castro, who suffered a right knee injury in Game 2 that will keep him out of the rest of the season.
Calvin Oftana shared that the team is dedicating their games to Castro as they push for a return to the championship stage.
[ALSO READ: TNT dedicates succeeding games to Castro: 'His number on our jerseys is statement enough’]
“Malaking bagay din kasing nawala si Kuya Jayson. Kaya itong remaining games namin, ino-offer namin sa kaniya,” said Oftana, who finished with 26 points, three rebounds and four assists in the Tropang Giga's latest victory.
[ALSO READ: Guiao laments officiating in RoS' crucial Game 4 defeat: 'That's almost 10 points lost’]
But TNT knows Rain or Shine won’t go down without a fight.
After shutting down the Elasto Painters’ locals in their 93-85 Game 4 win, the Tropang Giga expect a fierce retaliation.
Will they finish the job, or will Rain or Shine force another game?
[ALSO READ: BINI Aiah, Caelan Tiongson of Rain or Shine speak up on hate comments]
(With reports from Jan Ballesteros)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]