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Joaquin Henson - The Philippine Star
March 5, 2025 | 12:00am
Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao
PBA Images
MANILA, Philippines — It’s a virtual do-or-die Game Four for Rain or Shine against TNT in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tonight. For Elasto Painters coach Yeng Guiao, the immediate priority is to even the series and that means turning back TNT tonight. TNT built a 2-0 lead but with Jayson Castro out for the season, ROS stormed back to win Game Three, 103-98. “We really emphasized ball movement and spacing, knowing RHJ (Rondae Hollis Jefferson) is always trying to clog the middle,” said Guiao, explaining how ROS nailed it. “We have the same rule as always with our 3s, shoot when open. Just so happened we were making more of them.” In Game One, TNT hit more triples, 14-9 and in Game Two, the edge was 9-8. But in Game Three, ROS outscored TNT from three, 12-6.
Another key factor was ROS’ advantage from the line, shooting 31 free throws, making 21, to TNT’s 20. “We’re always trying to be aggressive which creates more opportunities to get to the free throw line,” said Guiao. Still another factor was TNT guard Rey Nambatac’s slump, averaging 3.0 points in the semis compared to 10.2 in the elims and quarters. “We’re very familiar with Rey’s style, having been with ROS for years,” noted Guiao. “I guess there’s just more pressure on him now that Jayson isn’t available.”
As for Deon Thompson, Guiao said he’s getting the job done in the paint. “Reason we get open 3s is because TNT has to collapse on him whenever he gets touches in the lane,” said Guiao. “He was aggressive enough to cause problems for their defense, including fouling out RHJ in Game Two. Too bad we couldn’t capitalize. We can still improve in a lot of areas, including shot selection.” Guiao said he hopes the duel extends to six or seven games. “We have an advantage in a long series,” he said, citing TNT’s shorter rotation.
