PBA: Oftana powers TNT past Rain or Shine for 2-0 semis lead

TNT's Calvin Oftana in action. PBA Images

MANILA, Philippines – Calvin Oftana played out of his mind, powering TNT past Rain or Shine, 113-105, in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Semifinals on Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Oftana dropped 39 points and five three-pointers, including the game-extending free throws before the end of regulation for another shot at the win.

On top of that offensive display, Oftana added nine rebounds, four blocks, and a steal.

But before that, it was Rain or Shine which came back after falling down by as much as 14, 90-76, erasing that lead with a 15-0 run.

READ: PBA: TNT not looking past Rain or Shine even with Grand Slam still in sight

In the five-minute overtime, Oftana continued his stellar play by nailing a triple, as Kelly Williams coupled it with another from that distance, and Poy Erram blasted one through for a layup, 109-101, with 2:22 on the clock.

Jhonard Clarito ended Elasto Painters' drought with two makes from the foul line, but Oftana was there to answer back with a basket of his own, 111-103, with more than a minute left.

READ: PBA: Rain or Shine ends NLEX’s ride to complete semifinals cast

Gian Mamuyac could not drain the technical free throw which could have put ROS within five, as Oftana showed how it was done on the other side, drilling the game-sealing freebies 113-105.

Two TNT players had twin-digit outputs, namely Jordan Heading (13 points, 11 assists) and RR Pogoy (11 points).

Williams concluded with a huge double-double of nine markers and 12 boards.

For the losing side, it was Adrian Nocum who paced them with 27 points and seven rebounds, as Caelan Tiongson, in a rare show of scoring prowess, had 18 markers.

Clarito and Mamuyac finished with 11 points each including eight and seven rebounds, respectively.

The Scores (OT):

TNT 113 – Oftana 39, Heading 13, Pogoy 11, Williams 9, Ganuelas-Rosser 8, Nieto 7, Aurin 7, Vosotros 6, Erram 6, Khobuntin 4, Enciso 3

RAIN OR SHINE 105– Nocum 27, Tiongson 18, Mamuyac 16, Clarito 16, Santillan 7, Caracut 6, Norwood 6, Asistio 3, Ildefonso 2, Datu 2, Malonzo 2

QUARTERS: 21-25, 50-52, 78-70, 99-99, 113-105