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Roger Pogoy, the newest member of the PBA’s 5,000-point club, carries the scoring load as TNT draws first blood against Rain or Shine in their third consecutive semifinal duel
MANILA, Philippines – On the night he got feted as the newest member of the PBA’s 5,000-point club, Roger Pogoy once again displayed his scoring prowess.
Pogoy fired 28 points as TNT held on to a 98-91 win over Rain or Shine in Game 1 of their best-of-seven semifinals in the Philippine Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, June 25.
The 101st player to reach the 5,000-point mark in PBA history, Pogoy took over in the fourth quarter with 13 points in the period, allowing the Tropang 5G to create separation and fend off the Elasto Painters’ late comeback.
Pogoy’s last point came off a free throw with a minute left that gave TNT a 92-82 lead, which proved enough to keep Rain or Shine at bay.
The Elasto Painters drew within a single possession at 91-95 after back-to-back baskets by Adrian Nocum and Jhonard Clarito but went scoreless the rest of the way.
Poy Erram, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, and Calvin Oftana also starred in the win as they all produced double-doubles.
Erram put up 16 points and 10 rebounds, Ganuelas-Rosser tallied 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Oftana posted 12 points and 10 rebounds.
“Coach always tells us that one man cannot win it for the team. It should be all of us,” said Pogoy in Filipino. “We’re not the most talented team in the PBA, but we’ll do everything to be the best team.”
Seeking to become just the fifth team in league history to win a Grand Slam, the Tropang 5G also drew double-digit performances from Simon Enciso (12 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Jordan Heading (11 points).
Andrei Caracut had 16 points to pace Rain or Shine, which suffered another disappointing loss in its third consecutive semifinal clash with TNT.
The Elasto Painters also faced the Tropang 5G in the semifinals of the first two conferences this season but lost both best-of-seven encounters in five games.
It was another frustrating result for Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao that he got ejected with 15 seconds to go after earning a second technical foul for excessive complaining.
Clarito had 14 points and 7 rebounds, Nocum scored 13 points, while Gabe Norwood and Caelan Tiongson netted 12 points each.
The Scores
TNT 98 – Pogoy 28, Erram 16, Ganuelas-Rosser 13, Enciso 12, Oftana 12, Heading 11, Khobuntin 6, Williams 0, Galinato 0, Aurin 0, Vosotros 0.
Rain or Shine 91 – Caracut 16, Clarito 14, Nocum 13, Norwood 12, Tiongson 12, Mamuyac 6, Malonzo 6, Santillan 5, Porter 4, Datu 3, Asistio 0.
Quarters: 23-23, 41-41, 63-58, 98-91.
– Rappler.com
