RHJ drops 42 points, tows TNT past Rain or Shine to book Finals ticket

TNT is once again heading to the PBA Finals.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson erupted for 42 points to tow TNT past Rain or Shine, 97-92, in Game 5 of the PBA Commissioner's Cup semifinals on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

It was a neck-and-neck affair even in the fourth period as Rain or Shine trailed 84-82 at the 3:36 mark. However, Kelly Williams' free throws, followed by a layup, gave TNT a comfortable lead.

Deon Thompson managed to cut the deficit to within two with around two minutes remaining but RHJ, Calvin Oftana, and Rey Nambatac eventually gave the Tropang Giga a 96-88 lead. Adrian Nocum drilled a four-pointer but it was too late as RHJ's split eventually sealed the victory.

Aside from RHJ's 42 points, the TNT import had 11 points, four assists, and three blocks as TNT finished the series, 4-1. Oftana, meanwhile, registered his own double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds.

Thompson had a team-high 34 points for the Elasto Painters, while Nocum had 13 points as Rain or Shine capped its campaign.

TNT, the Governors' Cup champions, will now await the winner of the series between Barangay Ginebra and Rain or Shine. Barangay Ginebra currently leads the said series, 3-1.

Scores:

TNT 97 – Hollis-Jefferson 42, Nambatac 12, Oftana 12, Pogoy 9, Khobuntin 9,Williams 8, Aurin 3, Erram 2, Heruela 0, Galinato 0.

Rain or Shine 92 – Thompson 34, Nocum 13, Caracut 10, Tiongson 8, Santillan 7, Lemetti 6, Mamuyac 5, Norwood 5, Ildefonso 4, Clarito 0, Datu 0, Asistio.

Quarters: 28-27, 44-46, 66-67, 97-92.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News