TNT survives late Jayson Castro absence, escapes ROS in PBA Comm's Cup semis opener

Jayson Castro waxed hot from deep for TNT. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—TNT did just enough in the last two minutes even without Jayson Castro to hold off Rain Or Shine, 88-84, at the start of the PBA Commissioner's Cup semifinals on Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Castro, who led the Tropang Giga with 24 points, was benched right at the last two-minute mark when he accidentally hit Andrei Caracut with his foot after he was stripped of the ball.

Caracut hit his two free throws after Castro's flagrant foul, but TNT's defense held ROS scoreless the rest of the way highlighted by three crucial turnovers down the stretch including the game-saving steal from RR Pogoy at the final buzzer which made up for his split from the line that still kept the game open.

Castro went 7-for-10 from the field including a solid 6-of-7 on three-pointers along with two rebounds, three assists, and four steals off the bench for the Tropang Giga, who drew first blood in their best-of-seven series.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson added 23 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, one steal, and four blocks, while Calvin Oftana added 22 points on 6-of-8 shooting from three-point range, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

Deon Thompson put up 29 points on 12-of-23 shooting, 16 rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and one steal to lead the Elasto Painters, but he committed seven of their 22 turnovers.

Adrian Nocum added 18 points, 11 rebounds, one assist, one steal, and two blocks.

The Scores:

TNT 88 – Castro 24, Hollis-Jefferson 23, Oftana 22, Pogoy 9, Nambatac 4, Aurin 2, Erram 2, Williams 2, Khobuntin 0, Heruela 0, Galinato 0

RAIN OR SHINE 84 – Thompson 29, Nocum 18, Datu 9, Santillan 6, Clarito 6, Mamuyac 4, Caracut 3, Tiongson 3, Lemetti 3, Asistio 3, Norwood 0

QUARTERS: 22-28, 51-47, 74-70, 88-84

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