For TNT head coach Chot Reyes, his squad's semifinal wins over Rain or Shine in the first two conferences of PBA Season 49 are history.
TNT has had Rain or Shine’s number in their last two semifinal faceoffs in PBA Season 49.
But as for Tropang 5G coach Chot Reyes, these past results are history. What matters is now.
And in the now, TNT is battling the Elasto Painters anew in the penultimate round, winning Game 1 of the best-of-seven series, 98-91.
“Still the same. Hindi na namin iniisip 'yong past. The past series is history,” said Reyes.
“We wanted to make sure we keep our focus only on this game.”
So focused were the Tropang 5G that they gained the headstart in their duel with RR Pogoy at the forefront of their attack.
He logged 28 points, including 13 in the fourth period to help the Tropang 5G establish a double-digit separation after a neck-and-neck battle.
He also had two rebounds and four assists.
Poy Erram also made his presence felt with 16 points, none bigger than the three-pointer at the 3:07 mark of the fourth that gave TNT an 86-76 cushion.
TNT Tropang 5G big man Poy Erram reacts during Game 1 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
Calvin Oftana's three straight freebies, the last from a technical foul, pushed the Grand Slam aspirant further ahead at 91-80 with 1:28 left to play.
Rain or Shine, however, refused to fold. It threatened within four, 95-91, on a layup by Jhonard Clarito with 15 ticks left.
But the Elasto Painters just did not have enough time to complete a comeback.
[WATCH: TNT Tropang 5G edge Rain or Shine Elasto Painters to take Game 1 of semis | PBA Highlights]
Andrei Caracut paced Rain or Shine with 16 points, while Clarito wound up with 14 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a steal.
Adrian Nocum added 13 points, two rebounds and a steal, while Caelan Tiongson added 12 points and eight rebounds.
TNT vs. Rain or Shine scores:
TNT 98 – Pogoy 28, Erram 16, Ganuelas-Rosser 13, Enciso 12, Oftana 12, Heading 11, Khobuntin 6, Williams 0, Galinato 0, Aurin 0, Vosotros 0.
RAIN OR SHINE 91 – Caracut 16, Clarito 14, Nocum 13, Norwood 12, Tiongson 12, Mamuyac 6, Malonzo 6, Santillan 5, Porter 4, Datu 3, Asistio 0.
Quarterscores: 23-23, 41-41, 63-58, 98-91.