NorthPort refuses to fold, forces Game 5 with win over Ginebra
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PBA: Elasto Painters shine in Game 3 to keep the series close
The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters finally broke their two-game skid, securing a crucial 103-98 victory in Game 3 of their PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup Semi-Finals series against the TNT Tropang Giga on Sunday night, March 2, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Import Deon Thompson led the charge for Rain or Shine, delivering a double-double performance with 19 points, 15 rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block in over 44 minutes of action. His dominance in the paint and relentless effort on both ends of the floor helped RoS stay competitive throughout the game.
Caelan Tiongson also played a vital role in the win, contributing 18 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, while Adrian Nocum, who started once again, showcased another impressive outing with 16 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.
Supporting the trio was Anton Asistio, who chipped in 12 points, including two clutch three-pointers, while Gian Mamuyac added nine points and was perfect from the free-throw line, sinking all four of his attempts.
Photo Courtesy: PBA
"We're hoping we can push this series into a long series," said Guiao. "At least ngayon naka-2-1 kami, that means minimum of five games na ito. Gusto naming umabot ito ng seven games. We're physically and mentally prepared to play seven games in this series.”
On the other hand, TNT’s Rondae Hollis-Jefferson put up a game-high 34 points, including two rare four-point plays, keeping his team within striking distance. Despite observing Ramadan and undergoing daytime fasting, the former NBA player showed no signs of fatigue.
"He gave them a chance to win this game also, which is also what we're trying to do, give ourselves a chance in the endgame to win it," Guiao added. "Alam naman naming i-score si RHJ, eh. Ang gusto lang namin every time he scores he works for it, he earns it."
With the victory, Rain or Shine ensures that the series will extend to at least five games.
"We're hoping we can push this series into a long series," said Guiao. "At least ngayon naka-2-1 kami, that means minimum of five games na ito. Gusto naming umabot ito ng seven games. We're physically and mentally prepared to play seven games in this series.”
The fiery mentor also emphasized their strategy of managing players' minutes to maintain freshness in a potential Game 7. "We designed our management of our minutes to be able to still be fresh in a Game 7. That's what we're hoping, makarating doon. But for now isa-isa muna."
TNT will look to bounce back and take a commanding series lead in Game 4, while Rain or Shine will aim to even the series at 2-2. The pivotal matchup is set for Wednesday, March 5, at 7:30 PM, once again at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Scores:
RAIN OR SHINE 103 - Thompson 19, Tiongson 18, Nocum 16, Asistio 12, Mamuyac 9, Santillan 8, Clarito 7, Norwood 7, Datu 4, Caracut 3, Lemetti 0.
TNT 98 - Hollis-Jefferson 34, Pogoy 21, Oftana 13, Erram 10, Williams 8, Aurin 8, Nambatac 2, Khobuntin 2, Heruela 0, Razon 0.
Quarter Scores: 21-21, 49-43, 75-73, 103-98.
