MANILA, Philippines – TNT Tropang Giga is now one win away from securing a PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals berth, putting Rain Or Shine Elasto Painters in a do-or-die situation after a 93-85 victory on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
With momentum on their side, Coach Yeng Guiao and the Elasto Painters aimed to secure back-to-back wins and even the series. Determined to stay within striking distance, they kept the game tightly contested from the start.
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| Calvin Oftana shines in Game 4 while Rondae Hollis-Jefferson struggles. Photo Credits: PBA.ph |
TNT Tropang Giga played their second straight game without veteran guard Jayson Castro, sidelined by a knee injury. Andrei Caracut stepped up in his absence, effectively mirroring his mentor’s playmaking and helping TNT gain a slight edge in the opening quarter.
The Elasto Painters executed a solid defensive game plan against Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, limiting him to just nine first-half points. However, while they focused on containing TNT’s star import, the Tropang Giga locals stepped up, shouldering the scoring load to keep their team in control.
With Rondae Hollis-Jefferson having an off night in the first 24 minutes of Game 4, RR Pogoy, Calvin Oftana, and Rey Nambatac took charge. The TNT trio combined for 42 points, scoring 18, 13, and 11, respectively, to give Tropang Giga a 53-43 lead at halftime.
NorthPort Batang Pier denies Ginebra a semis sweep
Just as the crowd favorite Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and their passionate fans were ready to celebrate a finals seat, NorthPort Batang Pier had other plans, halting the impending sweep and keeping their hopes alive.
As expected, Batang Pier’s prolific import, Kadeem Jack, took charge, dropping 39 points while receiving solid support from the locals, four of whom also reached double figures, helping them topple the mighty Ginebra.
Ginebra had multiple players in double digits as well, but the key difference was the uncharacteristic performance of their resident import, Justin Brownlee. The naturalized Filipino struggled offensively, finishing with just 18 points, well below his usual production.
The game remained tight, with the Gin Kings having several chances to erase NorthPort’s lead. With under four minutes left in the final quarter, Barangay managed to trim the deficit to just four points, an impressive feat accomplished even with Brownlee on the bench.
Coach Tim Cone reinserted Brownlee with 50 seconds left on the clock for one final push. Taking a calculated risk, Cone designed a play for Stephen Holt, and the former top pick came through with a clutch three-pointer, cutting the lead to just one.
Determined to force a Game 5, Coach Bonnie Tan had a counterplay ready. He turned to Kadeem Jack for a crucial mid-range jumper, followed by Arvin Tolentino’s ice-cold free throws, sealing the victory for NorthPort.
With a hard-fought 108-103 win, Batang Pier staved off elimination and denied Ginebra a sweep, keeping their championship hopes alive.
Thompson carries Rain Or Shine single-handedly but still loses to TNT
Unlike TNT, Rain or Shine's local players found it difficult to make an impact. It was Deon Thompson who carried the load, going into full workhorse mode to keep his team afloat. With 18 minutes still remaining, he had already surpassed the 20-point mark.
Despite minimal support from his local teammates, Thompson relentlessly crashed the boards and capitalized on second-chance opportunities. His all-around effort kept the Elasto Painters within striking distance, trailing by just two possessions throughout the third quarter.
While Thompson continued to impose his will in the paint throughout the third period, Hollis Jefferson remained quiet on offense until the closing moments when he drilled a deep three to give TNT a spark heading into the final quarter.
Having gone all out since the opening quarter, ROS’ reinforcement began to show signs of fatigue as his scoring pace slowed down. Despite Hollis Jefferson’s shooting struggles, Tropang Giga managed to stay in control.
Rain Or Shine’s locals finally stepped up in the fourth quarter, but their late surge fell short as Talk ‘N Text moved one step closer to the finals. Calvin Oftana spearheaded Tropang Giga’s attack with 26 points, while RR Pogoy added 22 in a 93-85 win over ROS.
Game 5 will be on Friday, March 7, 2025 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
— Joey Boy Capos, The Summit Express
