The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters took control early and never looked back, securing a 107–86 victory over the TNT Tropang 5G and cutting the series deficit to 1–2. Meanwhile, Brgy. Ginebra broke the game wide open with a strong second-half performance, clinching a 100–90 win against the San Miguel Beermen and taking control with a 2–1 lead in their series in Game 3 of the PBA Philippine Cup Playoffs on June 29.
Top Performers of the Day:
Rhon Jay Abarrientos (GIN PG) 24 PTS | 9 REB | 8 AST | 45.8 FPS
RJ struggled in the first two games of the series and had a slow start in Game 3, but he flipped the switch in the fourth quarter, erupting for 18 points. The performance marked his fifth 20-point outing of the conference. He’s also been a steady playmaker, averaging 7 assists per game against SMB.
Jamie Malonzo (GIN SF) 20 PTS | 7 REB | 3 STL | 45.4 FPS
Malonzo came through in a major way. He was highly effective on offense, leading the charge in the third quarter and finishing with his best scoring performance of the conference. He was equally impressive on defense, recording 5 stocks.
Earl Scottie Thompson (GIN SG) 16 PTS | 7 REB | 5 AST | 37.9 FPS
Thompson filled the box score. He started strong on offense with 8 points in the first quarter and finished with his seventh game this conference with 15+ points. He also finished with his best passing performance in the playoffs. He’s also been consistent in rebounding, averaging 7 rebounds in his last four games.
Anton Rafael Asistio (ROS PG) 24 PTS | 1 REB | 6 AST | 34.2 FPS
Asistio hasn’t been much of a scoring factor this conference, but he turned it up in Game 3, going off for 14 points in the third quarter alone. He finished the game, shooting 7-for-9 from the field, including 2-for-3 from four and 4-for-5 from the three-point area.
June Mar Fajardo (SMB C) 12 PTS | 14 REB | 1 BLK | 33.3 FPS
Fajardo continues to deal with a calf injury but remains dominant, finishing with his 12th double-double this conference. He should be ready for another big showing in Game 4.
Keith Datu (ROS C) 13 PTS | 10 REB | 1 BLK | 30.0 FPS
Datu made his presence felt in Game 3, finishing with his second double-digit rebounding game this conference. He’s also a capable scorer, recording six double-digit scoring games, including a 27-point eruption against Blackwater.
Adrian Clarence Nocum (ROS SG) 10 PTS | 4 REB | 4 STL | 29.4 FPS
Nocum recorded 27 points in Game 2 and carried the momentum in the first quarter, scoring 8. He slowed down later in the game, but remained a defensive force, tying his career-high in steals.
Henry Galinato Jr. (TNT C) 8 PTS | 10 REB | 4 AST | 28.0 FPS
Galinato delivered when needed in Game 3, filling in admirably with the team’s main bigs in foul trouble. While his role has been smaller at this conference, he proved that he can be a factor on the boards, recording 8+ rebounds three times in the previous conference.
Caelan Todd Tiongson (ROS SF) 16 PTS | 4 REB | 1 BLK | 25.3 FPS
Tiongson has been a reliable scoring option against TNT, averaging 15 points over the last three games. He has also emerged as a major threat from three, going 9-for-13 in the last two games.
Biggest Disappointment of the Day:
John Paul Erram 4 PTS | 4 REB | 3 AST
Erram had a dominant performance in Game 1 but hasn’t been the same in the last two games. He’s struggled with turnovers (11) and foul trouble (10 fouls) through three games in the series.
