Gian Mamuyac helps the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters hang on in their best-of-seven semifinal faceoff with the TNT Tropang 5G in the PBA Philippine Cup.
It was Gian Mamuyac’s turn to deliver for Rain or Shine.
Mamuyac found his rhythm on offense to power the Elasto Painters to a 113-97 romp over shorthanded TNT in Game 5 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals Friday, July 4.
After Anton Asistio played the hero's role in their Game 3 victory, it was the cat-quick Mamuyac that showed the way this time with his 22 big points on 8-for-13 scoring from the field.
He also had three assists and the same number of steals as Rain or Shine dodged the scythe of elimination this time.
“Siguro, you can say that [it was a statement game.] Pero sa system namin, anyone can have a night like this. 'Yon ang kagdandahan sa team namin,” said Mamuyac, whose team exploited the absence of injured RR Pogoy and Kelly Williams as well as suspended coach Chot Reyes.
The Elasto Painters leaned on a furious third quarter rally that saw them go on a 13-0 tear — the last eight of which came from the free throw line.
Rain or Shine outgunned TNT, 37-12, in the frame to enter the fourth with a commanding 93-84 advantage.
It was all Rain or Shine from there.
Michael Malonzo and Jhonard Clarito of Rain or Shine put up a wall over TNT's Henry Galinato in Game 5 of the PBA semis. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
Jhonard Clarito put up 19 points, seven rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block, while Adrian Nocum, Andrei Caracut, and Keith Datu chipped in 11 points apiece.
"This is the closest we've been to the finals, so we look at it as a really positive development for us. At least, naka-dalawang panalo na kami sa semis,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao.
Playing with swollen ankles, Calvin Oftana still ended up with 23 points, for the Tropang 5G, while Simon Enciso had 20 points, two rebounds and two assists.
Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and Jordan Heading, who had stellar outings prior, wound up with a measly four and three points, respectively.
Rain or Shine vs. TNT scores:
RAIN OR SHINE 113 – Mamuyac 22, Clarito 19, Nocum 11, Caracut 11, Datu 11, Malonzo 8, Tiongson 8, Asistio 7, Santillan 7, Ildefonso 5, Porter 2, Norwood 2, Borboran 0, Escandor 0.
TNT 97 – Oftana 23, Enciso 20, Khobuntin 13, Aurin 13, Galinato 9, Vosotros 8, Ganuelas-Rosser 4, Heading 3, Erram 2, Heruela 0, Nieto 0, Varilla 0.
Quarterscores: 28-24, 56-52, 93-64, 113-97.