Rain or Shine import Demetrius Treadwell against TNT within the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–Rain or Shine used a powerful ending kick on Friday night to take down perennial title contender TNT, 119-112, within the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
The Elastopainters turned to import Tree Treadwell contained in the final three minutes of the critical clash at Smart Araneta Coliseum, annexing a fifth straight win for a 5-5 record within the standings that kept the club within the running for a playoff spot.
“Maganda rin sa amin na matuto kaming manalo doon sa game na dikdigan hanggang huli. We’re a young team, we want games like this to toughen us up,” head coach Yeng Guiao said within the post-game presser.
“I believe with this win, we are able to stay up for the playoffs,” he added.
Treadwell finished with 25 points and 24 rebounds, while Andrei Caracut was solid yet again with 23 points. Rey Nambatac added 19 as Rain or Shine brace for a Converge side battling for pride to finish its elimination round schedule.
Latest TNT import Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson, TNT’s substitute import and the brother of original selection Rondae, delivered 50 points and 16 rebounds, while Calvin Oftana tossed in 37 more within the losing stand that pushed the Tropang Giga’s mark to 4-6, just barely inside the qualifying threshold for the knockout stages.
It was a shocking victory for the Elastopainters, who dropped their first five games within the conference fighting original import DaJuan Summers.
The competition also featured some color towards the top with Rondae figuring in an altercation with Rain or Shine.
“That’s a dangerous thing to tug. ‘Di ko alam kung anong nangyari sa kanya, tinopak ‘yung gag*. It was a pleasant game, I believe the fans would love a [tightly contested] game like that. Perhaps he just got emotional or frustrated. But you don’t take (your emotions) out that way,” said Guiao.
TNT could have another likelihood to firm up its probabilities of advancing when it battles Phoenix Super LPG on Jan. 14.
