Clutch RHJ sends TNT to cusp of finals berth with narrow Game 4 win vs. Rain or Shine

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson knocked down the crucial baskets TNT needed to escape Rain or Shine, 81-79, in Game 4 of their best-of-seven semifinals series of the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

The reinforcement buried four of Tropang Giga's last seven points as they regained a 3-1 series lead and moved a win away from booking a finals ticket.

"We told them this was gonna go down the wire and that is exactly what happened. In the end, it was just a matter of Rey hitting that three-point shot, Rondae hitting that driving layup, then we made stops," TNT coach Chot Reyes said. 

"In a very close game, it just came down to that.

Down by two in the final moments, TNT turned to Hollis-Jefferson, who would complete a layup and draw a foul on Gian Mamuyac. He, however, missed the bonus free throw before Rey Nambatac knocked down a huge three-pointer to give TNT a 79-76 cushion with 1:11 to go. 

Santi Santillan, though, retaliated with a three-point play of his own to force another deadlock. Hollis-Jefferson's one-handed slam saw TNT enjoying a slim 81-79 lead before Rain or Shine was able to draw up another play, but both Andrei Caracut and Mamuyac missed out on their attempts that led to a Hollis-Jefferson trip to the stripe. 

Hollis-Jefferson had the chance to seal the win with two freebies, but missed both. Luckily, time wasn't on the side of Rain or Shine as the Tropang Giga cruised to the nail-biter. 

Hollis-Jefferson finished with a huge double-double effort of 23 points and 19 rebounds together with five assists, five steals, and five blocks while Nambatac tallied 15 markers, 11 boards, and four dimes. 

Aaron Fuller starred for Rain or Shine, churning out 22 points, 18 rebounds, two assists, and one steal as they fell to a 1-3 hole. 

TNT will look to seal its spot in the finals on Friday when the two teams meet for Game 5 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. 

Scores:

TNT 81 – Hollis-Jefferson 23, Nambatac 15, Oftana 15, Castro 9, Erram 8, Williams 5, Pogoy 4, Aurin 2, Khobuntin 0.

Rain or Shine 79 – Fuller 22, Santillan 11, Norwood 8, Clarito 8, Mamuyac 6, Nocum 6, Belga 6, Caracut 4, Lemetti 3, Asistio 3, Datu 2

Quarters: 18-22, 39-39, 63-59, 81-79.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News