Rain or Shine Stuns TNT in 91–89 Comeback Win
The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters proved their resilience once again, clawing back from an 18-point hole to escape with a 91–89 comeback win over the TNT Tropang 5G in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup on Saturday night at the Aquilino Q. Pimentel Jr. International Convention Center.
Down 24–6 after a disastrous opening quarter, Rain or Shine tightened the screws defensively and limited TNT to just eight fourth-quarter points, completing one of the biggest turnarounds of the conference.
Caracut Delivers the Game-Winner
The Elasto Painters seized control in the final minutes behind Andrei Caracut, who calmly drained a baseline floater as the shot clock expired to give Rain or Shine a 90–89 lead, one they never relinquished.
Rain or Shine had gone on a 7–0 run at the start of the fourth quarter to erase a 74–81 deficit, eventually taking their first lead of the night at 83–81 after a layup by Mike Malonzo and setting the stage for a tense back-and-forth finish.
Although Jhonard Clarito split his free throws with 7.5 seconds left, the Tropang 5G failed to capitalize. Roger Pogoy’s final attempt came after the buzzer — and missed anyway — sealing the victory for the Elasto Painters.
Norwood Shines in His Retirement Tour
In his final season, Gabe Norwood continued to defy age, posting 16 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, including eight crucial points in the fourth quarter that pushed Rain or Shine back into contention.
Norwood was one of the catalysts of the comeback along with Gian Mamuyac, who added 14 points. The Elasto Painters also welcomed the return of Caelan Tiongson and Stanley Pringle, and gave rookie Christian Manaytay some minutes with Keith Datu out for the season due to a knee injury.
Rain or Shine improved to 6–2, reclaiming the No. 1 spot and ending TNT’s four-game winning streak.
(Video from the YouTube Channel of One Sports)
TNT’s Momentum Ends Despite Strong Starts from Nambatac and Pogoy
The Tropang 5G looked in full control early, jumping out to an 18-point advantage. However, they sputtered late and finished the game shooting just 39.2% from the field.
Rey Nambatac, playing in front of his hometown crowd, tallied 18 points on an efficient 3-of-5 clip from deep. Roger Pogoy also scored 18 points and made five triples, including the big three that tied the game late at 86–86.
Jordan Heading chipped in 15 points, though he missed a potential go-ahead corner three with 14 seconds left.
The game also marked the season debut of Poy Erram, who played only two minutes as he continues to recover from his ACL injury.
TNT dropped to 5–2, joining San Miguel, Magnolia, NLEX, and Converge in a crowded chase pack tied for second place.
TNT aims to regroup against the San Miguel Beermen on Friday, December 5. Rain or Shine will then look to extend its run against the Converge FiberXers on Sunday, December 7.
The Scores:
Rain or Shine 91 – Norwood 16, Mamuyac 14, Santillan 8, Clarito 8, Tiongson 7, Nocum 7, Caracut 7, Lemetti 6, Asistio 5, Malonzo 4, Belga 4, Manaytay 3, Pringle 2.
TNT 89 – Nambatac 18, Pogoy 18, Heading 15, Galinato 13, Williams 9, Aurin 6, Jalalon 4, Ferrer 3, Ganuelas-Rosser 3, Khobuntin 0, Erram 0.
Quarter Scores: 18-31; 42-54; 74-81; 91-89.
