TNT ousts Rain or Shine to reach PBA Philippine Cup Finals

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TNT Tropang Giga took one massive step toward PBA immortality after finishing off Rain or Shine, 97-89, in Game 6 of their PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series Sunday, July 6, night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Tropang Giga secured the best-of-seven series, 4-2, and moved into the championship round where they await the winner of the Barangay Ginebra vs San Miguel showdown. That series is headed to a deciding Game 7 on Wednesday, also at the Big Dome.

Jordan Heading erupts for 29 points to power TNT to the PBA Philippine Cup Finals. [PBA Images]

If TNT goes all the way, they would become only the fifth franchise in league history to complete a season sweep—and the first since San Mig Coffee accomplished the feat in the 2013-14 season.

Heading, Rosser redeem themselves in Game 6

Jordan Heading led TNT with 29 points, while Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser dropped 17, a major turnaround from their combined seven-point outing in a Game 5 loss. The duo spearheaded a game-clinching 14-2 run after the final deadlock at 80-all, finally breaking the backs of the persistent Elasto Painters.

Glenn Khobuntin contributed a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Kim Aurin added 13 points. Calvin Oftana, TNT’s usual offensive anchor, was held to 12 points but sparked the critical push with a highlight three-point play despite falling awkwardly on a foul from Jhonard Clarito.

“We kept our eyes on the prize,” said TNT head coach Chot Reyes. “After a 0-3 start, all we wanted was to reach the playoffs. From there, we knew we had to battle through adversity.”

Despite dealing with multiple injuries throughout the conference, TNT proved its depth and grit. “Everyone stepped up. These guys don’t know the meaning of quit,” Reyes added.

Rain or Shine bows out despite strong rookie campaign

Rain or Shine’s Caelan Tiongson capped his impressive rookie season with 30 points, while Andrei Caracut and Adrian Nocum added 15 and 11 points, respectively. But the Elasto Painters failed to match TNT’s poise in the final stretch and were unable to force a Game 7.

TNT’s playoff run has been defined by resilience—overcoming an 0-3 start, surviving a tough quarterfinal against Magnolia, and now outlasting Rain or Shine. With just four wins standing between them and history, the Tropang Giga are now laser-focused on the ultimate prize: the 2025 PBA Philippine Cup championship.