MANILA, Philippines – In Game 3 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals, TNT Tropang Giga will face the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, and they have a chance to take control of the series. On Sunday, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the Tropang Giga will be aiming to extend the E-Painters’ lead to two games in their best-of-seven series. After a thrilling 113-105 overtime victory in Game 2, TNT is now in a position to take a commanding 3-0 series lead, which has been historically difficult to overcome.

Game 2 was a test of TNT’s championship toughness; Roger Pogoy, a crucial player, hurt his hamstring early in the second quarter. Pogoy, a reliable offensive weapon for the club, had gotten off to a good start, scoring 11 points before he left the game. After the Elasto Painters took a 23-point lead in the first half, his absence may have completely changed the game in Rain or Shine’s favor. What transpired, though, was a demonstration of TNT’s maturity, poise, and depth.

Calvin Oftana, filling in for Pogoy, scored 39 points, which was a career best. The offensive heavyweight was the multi-purpose forward, who scored crucial baskets when it mattered most, including the game-tying free throws that sent it to overtime and a game-changing triple in the extra frame. He bolstered TNT’s already dominant offence with his range, creativity off the dribble, and assault on mismatches. With 13 points and 11 assists, Jordan Heading was a reliable pillar for the backcourt and demonstrated maturity while playing under duress.

A large part of TNT’s success came from the supporting actors and actresses. With 22 rebounds between them, veterans Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and Kelly Williams protected the paint with precision and presence. Mike Nieto, Almond Vosotros, and Kim Aurin all played important minutes off the bench to keep the ball moving and relieve the starters. The win proved that TNT can overcome challenges with the help of its depth chart and cohesive team spirit.

Contrarily, Rain or Shine is in a somewhat tight spot. The Elasto Painters were unable to seal the deal in Game 2, despite leading early and outrebounding TNT 57-53. Their dysfunctional free-throw shooting (14 missed attempts) was a major factor in the defeat. Head coach Yeng Guiao stressed the importance of maintaining composure and executing well in the final stages of the series, saying that chances to steal a win at that point cannot be wasted.

Jhonard Clarito, Adrian Nocum, and Caelan Tiongson all had significant impacts for Guiao’s team and contributed well throughout the match. Putting on a complete 48-minute performance, meanwhile, is no easy feat. Staying competitive and avoiding a 0-3 hole will require Rain or Shine to enhance its closing defense, foul shooting, and transition defense.

Game 3 is quickly approaching, and TNT head coach Chot Reyes has warned his squad not to get comfortable. The 2-0 lead is great, but the series is still very much alive, he said. Due to Pogoy’s probable protracted absence, Reyes is expected to make further alterations to Game 3’s strategy, which he is known for implementing through the instillation of discipline. We will keep an eye on deft ball handling, tempo regulation, and taking advantage of matchups on either side of the court.

The window of opportunity for mistakes has closed for Rain or Shine. As time runs low in the series, the Elasto Painters need to get back to basics by boxing out, reducing turnovers, and making plays with high percentages. They might try to stifle TNT’s spacing and off-ball movement while stepping up defensive pressure on Oftana. If Rain or Shine wants to get back on their feet, they need to commit again to physical inside defense and contests on the perimeter.

Several important statistical metrics, such as three-point shooting accuracy and assist-to-turnover ratio, have shown a rising advantage for TNT. A new offensive dimension has emerged thanks to Oftana’s rise to prominence as a scorer in Pogoy’s absence, while the team’s half-court sets have been steadied by Heading’s maturation at the point. In the meanwhile, Rain or Shine has demonstrated its physical ability to compete, but their inability to finish games well is due to mental errors in crucial possessions.

The mental advantage is now with TNT, who will go into Game 3 like a champ when the stakes are high. A chance to reimagine the story is presented by the game for Rain or Shine, though. Not only would a victory bring the series back to life and maybe throw off TNT’s rhythm, but it would also reduce the deficit.

Fans can anticipate yet another intense showdown in Game 3. Intense competition, strict discipline, and flawless execution will decide the outcome, as both teams are well aware of the stakes. With a 3-0 lead, TNT would be practically guaranteed a spot in the Finals. This game might be Rain or Shine’s final opportunity to alter the series’ trajectory. Everyone is going to be watching to see how the teams handle the intense pressure.