Author: Bon Maddagan
Photo Credit: PBA Images
TNT now holds a commanding 2-0 lead over ROS following their dominant victory on October 11.
Much like what happened in Game 1, the Tropang Giga unleashed a strong third quarter, fueled by their red-hot three point shooting outscoring the Elasto Painters 38-21.
Oftana Sparks TNT’s Game-Changing Third Quarter Surge
Calvin Oftana is a key catalyst of the turnaround. Despite starting out cold, going 0-5 in the first half. Oftana came alive in the third, hitting 3 three-pointers in a 13-point outburst that spearheaded the surge. He finished with 18 points to go along with 14 rebounds. He was backstopped by Rey Nambatac who mirrored what he did in Game 1. His sharp shooting in that run helped TNT pull away from Rain or Shine. He recorded 17 points, 6 rebounds with 4 assists. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, despite not looking his best when the match started, still had an impressive game with 23 points. Henry Galinato also performed very well today in place of the injured Kelly Williams. His rebounding and defense was significant for his team.
The game was very reminiscent of Game 1 as it was a very tight battle from the beginning with both squads playing hard defense. But it was Rain or Shine who managed to create a little separation from Rookie Felix Lemetti who was making threes and earning a trip from the foul line. But TNT stayed and slowly inched their way back into the game.
Then came the third quarter, during which TNT unleashed a barrage of offensive attacks that Rain or Shine couldn’t respond to. Their dominance continued into the fourth, where the lead ballooned to as much as 26 points after a RHJ jump shot, making it 91-65. From that moment on, TNT was in complete control of the game.
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
