The TNT Tropang 5G tightened up defensively down the stretch, allowing coach Chot Reyes’ squad to secure a 98–91 victory in Game 1 of their best-of-seven semifinals series against the Rain or Shine Elastopainters in the 49th PBA Philippine Cup.
“We held up well on defense,” said Reyes after the game at the Mall of Asia Arena. “Rain or Shine is the second-highest scoring team in the league, averaging around 108 to 110 points per game. We really wanted to keep them under 90.”
TNT got a huge lift from RR Pogoy, who poured in 13 of his 28 points in the fourth quarter to help fend off a late Rain or Shine rally. His split from the line with 1:02 remaining gave the Tropang 5G a double-digit cushion, 92–82.
Andrei Caracut also stepped up in the final period, scoring 10 of his team-high 16 points in the quarter. He hit seven of nine free throws, including three with 47 seconds left to trim the Elastopainters’ deficit to 93–87.
Reyes acknowledged that while they nearly achieved their goal of holding Rain or Shine below 90, it came at the cost of frequent fouls. “We almost did that,” he said. “But we gave up a lot of fouls trying to do it.”
Rain or Shine managed to pull within 91–95 in the final 15 seconds, but head coach Yeng Guiao was ejected after protesting a call, halting their momentum.
TNT now looks to build on its Game 1 win when they battle the Elastopainters again at 7:30 p.m. this Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
