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‘We cannot take our foot off the pedal,’ says coach Chot Reyes as TNT reasserts its mastery over Rain or Shine for a 2-0 lead in their best-of-seven semifinals
MANILA, Philippines – TNT is halfway through its quest of reaching the finals for a chance to defend its PBA Governors’ Cup throne.
Tropang Giga head coach Chot Reyes wants his wards to keep pushing as TNT earned a resounding 108-91 win over Rain or Shine for a 2-0 lead in their best-of-seven semifinals at the Araneta Coliseum on Friday, October 11.
“We cannot take our foot off the pedal. It is nice being up 2-0 but it takes four to get to the next stage,” said Reyes after the game.
“Our entire discussion right now after this is to just continue, try to figure out what adjustments they can make for the next game. And like I said, keep putting our foot on the pedal.”
Import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson once again led the way for the Tropang Giga with 23 points and 8 rebounds, while Calvin Oftana and Rey Nambatac joined hands in a decisive third quarter that opened the floodgates.
TNT held a slim 47-44 advantage at halftime before it pulled away for good as Oftana and Nambatac scattered 13 and 11 points, respectively, in the third period to help the Tropang Giga mount a commanding 85-65 cushion.
Oftana turned in his finest performance of this playoffs with 18 points and 14 rebounds, while Nambatac continued to be a thorn in the side of his former team, submitting 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists.
Kim Aurin chipped in 11 points as TNT notched its fourth straight win.
Jhonard Clarito paced the Elasto Painters with 18 points and 7 rebounds in another loss that saw their fast-paced play stymied by the Tropang Giga.
The leading team in fastbreak points at the end of the elimination round with an average of 24.2 points, Rain or Shine got limited to just 13 fastbreak points this game.
Import Aaron Fuller ended up as the only other Elasto Painters player in double-figure scoring with 13 points on top of 6 rebounds.
The 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.
– Rappler.com
