Hollis-Jefferson leads TNT to Game 4 victory over Rain or Shine, moves Tropang Giga one win away from finals
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson delivered the crucial baskets TNT needed to edge Rain or Shine, 81-79, in Game 4 of their best-of-seven PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup semifinals on Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
With the win, the Tropang Giga secured a commanding 3-1 series lead, moving within a game of returning to the championship stage.
Hollis-Jefferson was the hero for TNT, as the dynamic import scored four of the team’s last seven points, including a one-handed dunk over Rain or Shine counterpart Aaron Fuller to break a 79-all deadlock with just 47 seconds left. The towering slam gave TNT an 81-79 lead, which proved to be the final margin as Rain or Shine’s late-game efforts fell short.
Down by two in the final minute, TNT turned to Hollis-Jefferson, who completed a critical layup after drawing a foul from Gian Mamuyac. While he missed the bonus free throw, Rey Nambatac stepped up, sinking a clutch three-pointer to push TNT ahead, 79-76, with 1:11 left in the game.
Rain or Shine fought back through Santi Santillan, who answered with a three-point play of his own to tie the game at 79. However, Hollis-Jefferson’s athletic slam and lockdown defense in the dying moments made the difference.
Andrei Caracut and Mamuyac both had opportunities to either tie or take the lead for Rain or Shine in the closing seconds, but both missed their shots, allowing TNT to escape with the narrow win. Hollis-Jefferson was fouled with 1.1 seconds remaining, giving him a chance to ice the game at the free throw line, but he missed both attempts. Fortunately for TNT, time ran out before Rain or Shine could mount another attack.
Hollis-Jefferson finished with a spectacular stat line, tallying 23 points, 19 rebounds, five assists, five steals, and five blocks—showcasing his two-way dominance. His timely plays on both ends of the floor were key to TNT regaining control of the series after Rain or Shine threatened to level things up.
Rey Nambatac and Calvin Oftana also made significant contributions for TNT, each scoring 15 points to support their import’s efforts.
Rain or Shine’s Aaron Fuller led the Elasto Painters with a double-double performance of 22 points and 18 rebounds, while Santillan added 11 points, including his game-tying three-point play late in the contest. However, the Elasto Painters couldn’t capitalize on their chances in the final moments, falling just short of evening the series.
The Tropang Giga will now aim to close out the series and punch their ticket to the finals when the two teams meet again for Game 5 on Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. Rain or Shine, meanwhile, will fight to keep their season alive in what could be a do-or-die contest.
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