After back-to-back heartbreaking losses, Rain or Shine finally closed out strong, securing a 103-98 victory over TNT Tropang Giga in Game 3 of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup semifinals on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Gian Mamuyac, Adrian Nocum, and Caelan Tiongson delivered in the clutch, knocking down crucial free throws to hold off TNT’s late-game surge, led by Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. The win not only put Rain or Shine on the board in the best-of-seven series but also gave them a chance to extend the series further.

“We wanted to give ourselves a chance in the endgame, and we finally executed well,” said Yeng Guiao, Rain or Shine’s head coach. “We hope to push this series to seven games, and we’re physically and mentally prepared for it.”

Hollis-Jefferson’s Heroics Fall Short

TNT’s Hollis-Jefferson finished with a game-high 34 points, including two deep four-pointers in the final seconds to keep his team in striking distance. However, Rain or Shine’s steady free-throw shooting in the last moments secured the much-needed win.

“We knew RHJ would score, but we just wanted to make him work for every point,” Guiao added. “He gave them a chance, but we did enough to hold on.”

Despite Hollis-Jefferson’s dominance, TNT struggled without veteran playmaker Jayson Castro, who was ruled out for the season after sustaining a knee injury in Game 2. The Tropa’s assist numbers dropped to just 11, a significant dip from their 16.5 average in the first two games.

Balanced Attack Lifts Rain or Shine

Rain or Shine’s offense was fueled by Deon Thompson’s 19 points and 15 rebounds, while Tiongson added 18 points and seven boards. Nocum contributed 16 points, and Anton Asistio chipped in 12, showcasing a balanced attack that kept TNT on its heels.

“We designed our minutes so we’d still be fresh by a potential Game 7,” Guiao revealed. “This win puts us one step closer to that goal.”

With the series now at 2-1 in favor of TNT, Rain or Shine looks to even the series in Game 4, scheduled for Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. A win would shift the momentum entirely, while TNT will aim to bounce back and move one win away from the finals.

Box Score:

Rain or Shine 103 – Thompson 19, Tiongson 18, Nocum 16, Asistio 12, Mamuyac 9, Santillan 8, Clarito 7, Norwood 7, Datu 4, Caracut 3, Lemetti 0

TNT 98 – Hollis-Jefferson 34, Pogoy 21, Oftana 13, Erram 10, Williams 8, Aurin 8, Nambatac 2, Khobuntin 2, Heruela 0, Razon 0

Quarterscores: 21-21, 49-43, 75-73, 103-98