MANILA – TNT Tropang 5G advanced to the PBA Philippine Cup championships after taking down Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 97-89, in Game 6 of the semifinals on Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Jordan Heading and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser spearheaded the Tropang 5G’s decisive 14-2 break from the last deadlock at 80-all enroute to clinching the best-of-seven duel, 4-2.
The Tropang 5G will now battle either Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings or San Miguel Beermen in the best-of-seven titular showdown for a chance to complete a rare Grand Slam.
The Gin Kings managed to force a winner-take-all Game 7 following an 88-87 escape over the Beermen in Game 6 courtesy of a game-winning three-pointer by LA Tenorio.
Regardless of their finals foe, the Tropang 5G remain just four wins away from becoming only the fifth team to complete a Grand Slam and first since San Mig Coffee in the 2013-14 season.
“By keeping our eyes on the prize,” said Tropang 5G head coach Chot Reyes by way of explaining how his team managed to overcome the stumbling blocks that came its way.
“All we wanted was to give ourselves a chance. Our objective after a 0-3 start was just to get to the playoffs. We were not even thinking of getting a twice-to-beat advantage getting to the playoffs and we figured whoever it is we need to beat and if we need to beat it twice then so be it,” he added.
“Number two, we came together… and that’s what happened. Everyone chipped in, stepped up. Unfortunately, we got all those injuries, but it is what it is. But as you saw today these guys, they don’t know the meaning of quit,” he further said.
Heading top-scored in Game 6 with 29 points, and Ganuelas-Rosser wound up with 17 markers after combining for for just seven points in a 97-113 loss in Game 5 last Friday.
Also playing a crucial part in Game 6 was Glenn Khobuntin, who racked up 16 points and a game-high 12 rebounds, while Kim Aurin and Calvin Oftana had 13 and 12, respectively.
Caelan Tiongson capped his rookie season with 30 points to lead Rain or Shine, while Andrei Caracut and Adrian Nocum added 15 and 11 markers, respectively./PN
BOX SCORE:
TNT 97 – Heading 29, Ganuelas-Rosser 17, Khobuntin 16, Aurin 13, Oftana 12, Heruela 5, Enciso 3, Erram 2, Varilla 0, Vosotros 0, Galinato 0.
RAIN OR SHINE 89 – Tiongson 30, Caracut 15, Nocum 11, Mamuyac 9, Clarito 8, Asistio 7, Santillan 4, Malonzo 3, Datu 2, Norwood 0.
Quarterscores: 28-27, 47-50, 69-70, 97-89.
