Rain or Shine advanced to the PBA 48th Season Philippine Cup semifinals on Wednesday after a hard-fought 110-109 victory over TNT.

In the decisive Game 3 of their quarterfinal series, Rain or Shine defeated Rain or Shine 106-100 thanks to a team-high 25 points from Gian Mamuyac, which included a three-pointer with 38.6 seconds remaining.

Even though the Elasto Painters had a 20-point lead, Calvin Oftana’s ferocious Tropang Giga run had them perspiring.

However, as ROS advanced to a meeting with San Miguel in a best-of-seven semifinal series that kicks off on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena, Oftana also made two costly mistakes in the closing stages of the game, the first of which resulted in the Mamuyac triple.

For the first time since the 2019 Commissioner’s Cup, which it unfortunately lost to San Miguel, Rain or Shine advanced to the semi-finals.

According to Coach Yeng Guiao, he fully informed the players of the importance of Wednesday’s game to the team. Rain or Shine is now the final independent squad standing in the league thanks to the players’ response.

Rain or Shine took an early lead and led 39–22 at the end of the first quarter. Adrian Nocum’s layup in the third quarter increased the margin to as much as 20, 75-55.

Nevertheless, with 4:08 remaining, Oftana made a number of baskets, including a three-pointer that matched the score at 98. However, Andrei Caracut’s three-pointer on the ensuing possession kept Rain or Shine afloat.

Jhonard Clarito had another huge game, scoring 17 points and grabbing nine rebounds, while Santi Santillan added 15 points for Rain or Shine. The Elasto Painters not only ruined Oftana’s effort but the 32-point performance of Kelly Williams, his highest scoring output in a TNT uniform. Williams’ points included a buzzer-beating three to end the ballgame. 

Roger Pogoy had 22 points but left the game on a stretcher at the final 2:19-mark after getting hurt following a shot attempt.

The Scores

Rain or Shine 110 – Mamuyac 25, Clarito 17, Santillan 15, Nocum 11, Datu 11, Ildefonso 10, Norwood 6, Asistio 5, Caracut 5, Belga 5, Demusis 0.

TNT 109 – Williams 32, Oftana 27, Pogoy 22, Khobuntin 10, Montalbo 4, Castro 4, Aurin 4, Heruela 2, M. Ganuelas-Rosser 2, Galinato 2, Reyes 0, Ponferada 0.

Quarter scores: 39-22; 59-45; 89-72; 110-109.