The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters showed signs of life in Game 3, preventing the TNT Tropang 5G from getting a 3-0 series lead. Will the Elasto Painters follow up their masterful performance with another in Game 4? Or, will the Tropang 5G get their act together after an embarrassing loss and inch closer to the PBA finals with a victory?
Catch this game live on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at 7:30 pm, Manila time.
TNT Tropang 5G (2-1)
Projected Starting Five:
- Kim Aurin
- Jordan Heading
- Calvin Oftana
- Glenn Khobuntin
- Kelly Williams
The Tropang 5G suffered their first stumble in their series against Rain or Shine on Sunday, as they got crushed by Yeng Guiao’s squad, 107-86. Turnovers hurt TNT in Game 3, as it committed 15 turnovers, which the Elasto Painters cashed in for 21 points.
Conversely, Rain or Shine only had seven turnovers turned into only seven points by TNT. Ball security woes can be addressed, but what’s perhaps more concerning for the Tropang 5G heading into Game 4 is the status of guard RR Pogoy.
The former FEU Tamaraws guard missed Game 3 with a hamstring issue, with TNT head coach Chot Reyes issuing a doubtful take on Pogoy’s availability for Game 4. “It’s very doubtful even in the next game,” Reyes said following the loss to Rain or Shine (h/t Spin). Another absence for Pogoy would be a significant blow for TNT, but the Tropang 5G can still find offense with Calvin Oftana and Jordan Heading leading the way.
Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (1-2)
Projected Starting Five:
- Gian Mamuyac
- Adrian Nocum
- Jhonard Clarito
- Caelan Tiongson
- Leonard Santillan
A more aggressive Rain or Shine got the job done in Game 3, and that’s the mentality that the Elasto Painters will look to replicate this Wednesday, as they attempt to pull even with the Tropang 5G. A potential absence again by Pogoy would be a big plus for Rain or Shine, as that’s one major problem to deal with for the Elasto Painters’ defense, which gave TNT’s ballhandlers troubles on Sunday.
Adrian Nocum exemplified that with his four steals in Game 3 to go with 10 points and four assists. Meanwhile, Anton Asistio came off the bench and just banged away on TNT’s perimeter defense, as he drained four triples and two from behind the second arc to finish the night with 24 points. Asisti’s shooting opened things up inside for Rain or Shine’s attack, as Caelan Tiongson and Keith Datu racked up 13 and 16 points, respectively.
Picks
Spread: Rain or Shine (-2)
Over/Under: Under (190)
