TNT downs Rain or Shine, takes 2-0 lead in PBA semis

TNT took a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series of the PBA Governors' Cup semis after defeating Rain or Shine, 108-91, on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Tropang Giga relied on a strong third quarter as they outscored the Elasto Painters, 38-21, after holding a slim 47-44 lead at the end of the first half. Calvin Oftana and Rey Nambatac led the TNT offense in the third quarter with 13 and 11 points, respectively.

"There's nothing special in what we are trying to do in particular, except we just make it a point to start the second half of each game that we play with renewed determination in defense. If we're able to make stops, it really fuels our offense," TNT head coach Chot Reyes said.

From then, TNT led by as much as 26, 91-65, early in the fourth period before cruising onto the victory.

Oftana had a total of 18 points, alongside 14 rebounds and two assists in the TNT win, while Nambatac had 17 points overall. Import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, meanwhile, had 23 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and a steal.

Jhonard Clarito had 18 points and seven boards, along with two assists and a steal, while import Aaron Fuller had 13 points for Rain or Shine.

Game 3 of the semis will be played on Sunday.

Scores:

TNT 108 – Hollis-Jefferson 23, Oftana 18, Nambatac 17, Aurin 11, Pogoy 8, Galinato 8, Erram 6, Khobuntin 6, Castro 5, Heruela 5, Payawal 1, Ebona 0, Varilla 0, Exciminiano 0.

Rain or Shine 91 – Clarito 18, Fuller 13, Caracut 9, Lemetti 9, Belga 9, Norwood 9, Datu 8, Santillan 5, Nocum 3, Villegas 3, Mamuyac 3, Asistio 2, Ildefonso 0.

Quarters: 17-21, 47-44, 85-65, 108-91.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News