TNT survives Rain or Shine, sets semis date with Ginebra

Glen Rice Jr. tipped in a Jayson Castro airball with 10 seconds remaining to lift the TNT KaTropa past the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 118-114, on Friday and take the last semifinals slot in the 2017 PBA Governors' Cup.

With the win, TNT now prepares to face defending champion Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the semifinals. The other bracket features the Meralco Bolts against the Star Hotshots.

Rice led TNT with 34 points, while Jayson Castro delivered 20. Troy Rosario and RR Pogoy tallied 18 and 16 points, respectively, while Kelly Williams had 10.

Williams' basket followed by an offensive rebound that led to a Rice three-pointer, gave TNT a 112-108 advantage heading into the final two minutes.

Off a timeout, Rain or Shine struggled to find an open shot, before Beau Belga snuck one at the buzzer to trim the lead to two. Belga wasn't done, feeding Jericho Cruz for an open layup tying the game.

TNT, on the other hand, was forced to take consecutive jumpers against a tight Rain or Shine defense, coming up empty to give the Elasto Painters a chance to take the lead anew.

A quick foul on Roger Pogoy sent J'Nathan Bullock to the line, where the Rain or Shine import made two free throws. Bullock, however, sent Jayson Castro to the line in the ensuing play, though, tying the game at 114 with 41 seconds left.

Jericho Cruz went for a drive but the ball rolled off the rim. Castro pulled up for a long triple at the other end, and the airball attempt was picked up by Rice, who tipped it in for the lead.

Off their final timeout with 10 seconds left, Bullock drove in before dishing to Belga, who was not able able to get the ball. Ryan Reyes was then sent to the line for the insurance charities, putting the game away.

Bullock finished the game with 30 points for Rain or Shine, while Beau Belga scored 18 off the bench. Mark Borboran was also a stellar reserve with 15, while Gabe Norwood and Jericho Cruz combined for 25. —JST, GMA News