TNT did the most logical way in neutralizing Rain or Shine’s fast-pace game — dominate the boards.
The Tropang 5G did exactly just that, outrebounding Rain or Shine, 59-44, and limiting the Elasto Painters’ fastbreak opportunities to score a clinical 98-91 triumph at the start of their PBA Philippine Cup best-of-seven semifinals series on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Asserting their might on rebounding means half of the job done for the Tropang 5G and it also spilled over in offense as six players wound up in double figures for coach Chot Reyes’ troops.
Three of those six players even finished with double-double games led by JP Erram, who submitted 16 points and 10 boards. Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and Calvin Oftana also picked up 10 rebounds each while also combining for 25 markers.
Offensively, it was Roger Pogoy who carried the brunt of the offense as he sizzled for 28 points while Simon Enciso contributed 12 markers and Jordan Heading chipped in 11 despite playing hurt.
Heading was a doubtful starter for the match, but showed up and played 15 minutes to make a key contribution.
“We’ve talked about it during timeouts that if Rain or Shine continues to play small, we have to pound the boards because we’re a bigger team,” said Reyes. “Ganun naman ang basketball, it’s a give and take with your decisions and as coaches, we have to take advantage of situations.”
Barangay Ginebra engaged San Miguel in a low-scoring, grind-it-0ut encounter to prevail, 73-71, and likewise take the head start in their race-to-four series.
