NorthPort refuses to fold, forces Game 5 with win over Ginebra
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TNT banks on defense to move closer to Commissioner’s Cup Finals
The TNT Tropang Giga took a step closer to the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup Finals after outlasting the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 93-85, on Wednesday night, March 5, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Calvin Oftana spearheaded TNT’s attack, delivering a stellar 26-point performance along with three rebounds and four assists. RR Pogoy complemented his effort with an all-around showing, posting 22 markers, four boards, three dimes, a steal, and a block.
In the post-game interview, Oftana dedicated the win to veteran guard Jayson Castro, who has been ruled out for the season due to a knee injury.
“Malaking bagay na wala si Kuya Jayson. Itong remaining games namin, inoffer namin sa kanya,” said Oftana.
“Big factor si Kuya Jayson sa amin, pero hindi lang isang tao ang makakapuno sa kawalan niya. Kailangan namin magtulungan bilang isang team,” he added.
Photo Courtesy: PBA
“Malaking bagay na wala si Kuya Jayson. Itong remaining games namin, inoffer namin sa kanya,” said Oftana.
Tropang Giga’s import, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, contributed a double-double performance with 17 points, 11 rebounds, five steals, two blocks, and an assist. Rey Nambatac chipped in 12 points and six rebounds, while Kim Aurin added nine markers, including a crucial three-pointer in the dying moments of the game.
Despite an explosive 44-point, 13-rebound performance from Rain or Shine reinforcement Deon Thompson, the Elasto Painters struggled to find offensive support. No local player reached double figures, with Keith Datu and Anton Asistio coming closest at eight points apiece.
Like the previous matchups in the series, Game 4 was another tightly contested battle. The stat sheet reflected a near-even performance between both teams, except for points in the paint, where TNT held a decisive 52-40 advantage.
With the victory, the Tropang Giga now have a chance to close out the series on Friday, March 7, at 5:00 PM in the same venue. However, with the resilience Rain or Shine has shown throughout the series, the Elasto Painters could still force a Game 5.
The Scores:
TNT 93 - Oftana 26, Pogoy 22, Hollis-Jefferson 17, Nambatac 12, Aurin 9, Erram 4, Williams 3, Razon 0, Khobuntin 0.
RAIN OR SHINE 85 - Thompson 44, Datu 8, Asistio 8, Caracut 6, Tiongson 6, Clarito 5, Nocum 4, Mamauyac 4, Norwood 0, Santillan 0.
Quarter Scores: 26-21, 53-43, 73-67, 93-85.
