TNT pummels Rain or Shine anew, books first Finals seat

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and TNT decisively defeated Rain or Shine, 113-95, clinching their spot in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup Finals during Game 5 of their semifinal showdown at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Friday, October 18.

With a palpable sense of urgency, the Tropang Giga wasted no time establishing their dominance in the first half, seizing control of the game and never looking back as they secured their return to the championship stage—an arena where they last celebrated victory two years ago, when the conference was previously held.

The standout of that victorious campaign, Hollis-Jefferson, once again emerged as the cornerstone of the offense in this series-clinching triumph over the Elasto Painters, delivering an impressive performance with 36 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists, and six steals.

However, it was TNT’s defensive prowess that truly set the tone for the match, stifling Rain or Shine’s efforts and limiting them to a mere 14 points in the second quarter, while the Tropang Giga netted 28.

By halftime, TNT had built a commanding 56-39 lead—an advantage that proved unassailable as they extended their margin to as much as 27 points, 72-45, at one point in the second half.

Supporting Hollis-Jefferson, RR Pogoy contributed significantly with 19 points, including three crucial three-pointers, while Kim Aurin added 12 and Calvin Oftana rounded out the scoring with 10 points and nine rebounds.

On the other side, Rain or Shine’s import Aaron Fuller struggled to find his rhythm, finishing with only 14 points and six turnovers, while Adrian Nocum managed just 13 points as the Elasto Painters once again fell short of reaching the Finals, having now been eliminated in the semifinals for two consecutive conferences.

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