TNT holds off ROS, grabs 3-1 series lead

MANILA, Philippines — TNT bounced back from a tough loss the last time out with a resolute defensive effort to hold off Rain or Shine, 93-85, grabbing a 3-1 series lead in their PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup semifinals series on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

After allowing ROS to get past the century mark last Sunday, TNT's hard-nosed defense returned with aplomb. The Tropang Giga are now a win away from earning a return trip to the Finals.

The Tropang Giga lead the series, 3-1.

TNT's defense held Rain or Shine to just 39 percent shooting, leaving import Deon Thompson to do most of the lifting for coach Yeng Guiao.

Thompson finished with a PBA career-best 44 points and 13 rebounds, but local ROS gunners Adrian Nocum, Andrei Caracut and Gian Mamuyac were all silenced by TNT's razor-sharp defense.

Nocum, who came into Game 4 averaging 18.5 points in the series, shot just 1-of-7 from the floor to finish with four points.

The flashy guard out of Mapua managed to add six rebounds, five assists but also has four turnovers, while attempting just once from three-point distance.

Caracut and Mamuyac scored just six and four points as the ROS guards only shot a combined 4-of-15 from the field in the game.

On the other hand, TNT's top Best Import candidate Rondae Hollis-Jefferson didn't have to do things on his own as Calvin Oftana and Roger Pogoy scored 26 and 22 points, respectively.

Hollis-Jefferson went on to finish with 17, 11 boards, five assists and two blocks, while Rey Nambatac tormented his former team with 12 points and six rebounds.

TNT can close the series and advance to the Finals with a victory on Friday.