MANILA, Philippines – In Game 2 of their best-of-seven series at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, TNT Tropang Giga takes against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, looking to continue their impressive run in the 2025 PBA Philippine Cup semifinals. The first game was a resounding 98-91 triumph for TNT, and now they can capitalize on important matchups and build momentum toward a potential Philippine Cup Finals comeback.

The balanced play and obvious matchup advantages of TNT were on full display in Game 1. With 28 points, RR Pogoy was the team leader. He scored 13 points in the fourth quarter, which was the deciding factor in the Tropang Giga’s victory. With Jayson Castro and Mikey Williams out with ongoing ailments, his aggressive offensive play and clutch baskets solidified his position as TNT’s go-to guy.

There was a dominant frontcourt that backed Pogoy up in the paint. Poy Erram, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, and Calvin Oftana scored 59 points and grabbed 44 rebounds apiece, rendering Rain or Shine’s interior defense ineffective. In the final minutes, Erram helped preserve TNT’s lead by controlling the rim and blocking two attempts.

Backcourt teammates Simon Enciso and Jordan Heading combined for 23 points, including five three-pointers. By creating space on the floor with their shots, TNT were able to break down Rain or Shine’s defense and move the ball freely. The team’s dedication to a team-oriented offense was on display as they shot 45.8% from the field and had 20 assists on 33 made field goals.

The Rain or Shine squad, led by seasoned strategist Yeng Guiao, displayed moments of aggressive play, most notably in the third quarter when they pulled even with the score 67-all. Having trouble finishing defensive possessions and having poor shooting efficiency were problems for the Elasto Painters. Of their 86 field goal tries, they converted just 35 (or 40.7% of the time), with just 8 of those efforts coming from beyond 40 yards out.

Rain or Shine’s Andrei Caracut scored 16 points while relentlessly pursuing the hoop and keeping his team in the hunt. Leonard Santillan had important rebounds and interior hustle, and Jhonard Clarito had 14 points and seven boards. Although they were outrebounded 52–41, the Elasto Painters were unable to capitalize on multiple second-chance chances. Despite having more offensive boards, they were outscored 15-8 in points scored on second chances.

Head coach Chot Reyes of TNT attributed the victory to his team’s interior aggression and rebounding in the postgame analysis. The focus on post play and storming the glass by TNT was rewarded handsomely as Rain or Shine fielded a smaller squad. Rain or Shine were able to limit their fast-break opportunities to just seven points due to their ability to secure defensive boards.

In anticipation of Game 2, TNT is anticipated to maintain their successful strategy. While Pogoy will undoubtedly be in the spotlight once again, TNT is banking on Oftana and Heading to keep the offense flowing and punish late rotations. With an emphasis on rim protection and second-chance conversions, Erram and Ganuelas-Rosser are expected to anchor the interior.

Meanwhile, Rain or Shine needs to change up its offensive strategy. We will be concentrating on perimeter defense, shot selection, and ball movement. The Elasto Painters failed to score in Game 1 because they turned the ball over thirteen times and failed to use their rebounding edge. To make room for shooters like Gian Mamuyac and Adrian Nocum, Guiao will probably want to increase Santillan’s number of touches inside the box and have the team work better off the ball.

Another thing the Elasto Painters have to figure out is how to make Pogoy go slower. The midrange was left open by their switching defense, which gave TNT’s sharpshooters too many opportunities. Rain or Shine will try to slow Pogoy down by playing more perimeter defense and switching up their helpers early in the game.

When these two networks meet in the playoffs, TNT usually comes out on top. With a stronger roster and improved camaraderie, the Tropang Giga are ready to carry on their winning streak from the 2022 and 2023 Philippine Cup playoffs. But Guiao’s squads have a reputation for toughness and physical defense, and they’re well-equipped to up the ante in the series.