PBA; RHJ gets back to Manila in time to watch the grudge match between TNT and Ginebra; Rain or Shine destroys Terrafirma and increases the bid for a Top Four position

Jun 5, 2025

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On Wednesday evening, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson will return to Manila for TNT’s basketball clinics, which are scheduled for June and July.

The return of their resident import to participate in the “RHJ on Tour” clinics was confirmed by TNT team manager Jojo Lastimosa. His visit will allow him to participate in the last stages of TNT’s attempt to win a rare grand slam in the Philippine Cup for Season 49.

In addition, Hollis-Jefferson will arrive in Manila in time for the Tropang 5G’s hectic weekend schedule, which includes a rematch of the team’s two previous finals matches this season against Blackwater on Friday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium and Barangay Ginebra on Sunday at the same location.

The MVP group’s flagship club is only one victory away from the sixth grand slam in PBA history as the three-time Best Import champion guided TNT to victories in the 49th Season Governors’ Cup and Commissioners’ Cup.

Heading into the pivotal weekend that will determine the team’s pursuit of one of the four twice-to-beat incentives in the quarterfinals, the Tropang 5G have a 5-3 win-loss record and are on a five-game winning streak.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday at the Philsports Arena, RAIN or Shine defeated Terrafirma, who also sprinted, 94-85, to earn their sixth victory of the PBA 49th Season Philippine Cup.

The Elasto Painters moved up to share fourth place with Barangay Ginebra on 6-3 win-loss records as Andrei Caracut alone restored the lead to a safe margin with a late 7-0 drive after the Dyip closed the gap to three points, 83-80.

Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao went deep into the bench despite Dyip’s valiant defense, as Jhonard Clarito led the squad in scoring with 12 points, followed by Caracut with 11.

Stanley Pringle became the first player from the franchise and the 100th member of the PBA’s 5,000-point club as the Dyip lost to 1-9 in their penultimate game of the season.

Francis Escandor scored 10 points for the Elasto Painters, and Santi Santillan added 10 points and nine rebounds.

The fact that Terrafirma, which was only playing for pride, kept the game close no longer astonished Guiao.

Prior to Saturday’s out-of-town match against San Miguel in Cagayan de Oro, Guiao also tried to field additional players and keep his core fresh.

Pringle contributed 18 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, and two steals for the Dyip, while Louie Sangalang finished with 22 points.

The Scores

Rain or Shine 94 – Clarito 12, Caracut 11, Santillan 10, Escandor 10, Asistio 10, Mamuyac 9, Datu 8, Nocum 7, Ildefonso 7, Tiongson 3, Norwood 3, Porter 2, Malonzo 2.

Terrafirma 85 – Sangalang 22, Pringle 18, Nonoy 10, Hernandez 8, Ramos 7, Catapusan 7, Paraiso 5, Melecio 5, Zaldivar 3, Hanapi 0, Olivario 0.

Quarter scores: 20-21; 45-33; 73-54; 94-85.

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