TNT scrapes by Rain or Shine in a thriller

MANILA, Philippines – Ranidel De Ocampo poured 10 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter and the TNT KaTropa survived the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in a 105-102 thriller to wrap up their elimination round campaign on Sunday, May 28 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

The KaTropa finished with an 8-3 record and are still in contention for a twice-to-beat advantage. The Elasto Painters, on the other hand, ended with a 5-6 slate.

Gilas Pilipinas member RR Pogoy helped save TNT with a long two-pointer that was initially thought to be a 3-pointer, breaking the 101-all deadlock with 26 seconds remaining.

Rain or Shine star James Yap managed to fish for the foul with 5 seconds left on the clock but he split his charities and it forced De Ocampo back to the line on the other end. De Ocampo calmly sank two free throws for the final tally as the Painters buckled on their final possession.

Import Joshua Smith posted 23 points and 12 rebounds for TNT, taking full advantage of his counterpart Duke Crews getting thrown out midway in the third period after two technical fouls.

Troy Rosario registered 11 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists while Pogoy and Ryan Reyes each tallied 10 markers.

The 35-year-old Yap had one of his more productive nights with a team-high 23 points including 4-of-7 shooting from deep.

Jeff Chan also sizzled off the bench with 18 points while Beau Belga added 13 markers and 7 boards.

Both Yap and Chan were defended well by TNT in Rain or Shine’s final possession, forcing Chan to throw up an off-balance 3-point heave that was way off the mark.

Scores:

TNT (105): Smith 23, De Ocampo 21, Rosario 11, Reyes 10, Pogoy 10, Tautuaa 9, Garcia 9, Rosales 5, Castro 3, Williams 3, Semerad 1, Carey 0. 

Rain or Shine (102): Yap 23, Chan 18, Belga 13, Cruz 9, Crews 9, Ponferada 6, Trollano 6, Almazan 6, Washington 5, Tolomia 4, Ahanmisi 3, Norwood 0, Robles 0.  

Quarter scores: 22-16, 51-39, 78-71, 105-102.

– Rappler.com