Rain or Shine resurges in Game 3, dominates TNT for first semis win

The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters emphatically announced their presence in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals, stunning the TNT Tropang Giga with a dominant 107-86 victory in Game 3 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

This decisive win marks Rain or Shine’s first triumph in the best-of-seven series, cutting TNT’s lead to 2-1 and injecting renewed life into their bid for a Finals appearance.

Leading the charge for the Elasto Painters was Anton Asistio, who unleashed a career-high 24 points, catching fire especially in the second half. 

Asistio, who had combined for a mere three points in the first two games of the series, found his rhythm from beyond the arc, hitting four three-pointers and even a crucial buzzer-beating four-point play at the end of the third quarter that extended Rain or Shine’s lead to a staggering 84-57.

“It was just being ready to step up,” said Asistio after the game, crediting Coach Yeng Guiao’s encouragement. “Sabi ni Coach Yeng, yung eliminations, iba sa quarterfinals at sa semis, so nag step up lang ako.”

Rain or Shine’s resurgence was a collective effort, with several players stepping up big. Caelan Tiongson added 16 points, while Keith Datu, who had also been quiet in the first two games, delivered a strong double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds, making his presence felt in the paint. Santi Santillan contributed 12 points, and Adrian Nocum chipped in 10.

The Elasto Painters also capitalized on the absence of TNT’s key offensive weapon, RR Pogoy, who sat out Game 3 due to an aggravated left hamstring injury.

CAPTION THIS, KA-PBA

Rain or Shine enters the win column after beating TNT in Game 3 of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup semifinals. | RM Chua/One Sports#PBASeason49 #PBAAngatAngLaban pic.twitter.com/XPZ3lXMBeV

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) June 29, 2025

While TNT’s Calvin Oftana, who exploded for 39 points in Game 2, was limited to just 16 points, the Tropang Giga struggled to find consistent scoring throughout the game. Only Glenn Khobuntin and Simon Enciso also reached double figures for TNT, both with 12 points.

Rain or Shine set the tone early, jumping out to a commanding 33-15 lead at the end of the first quarter. While TNT managed to stay somewhat within reach in the second, Rain or Shine unleashed its full offensive might in the third, extending their lead to as much as 27 points. The Elasto Painters maintained their composure in the final period, thwarting any attempts at a TNT comeback.

Coach Yeng Guiao expressed satisfaction with his team’s effort and renewed confidence. “Even after nung loss sa Game 2, I was really happy with the effort. Nando’n na yung innate confidence that we can compete with TNT,” Guiao said. “So if we can replicate that effort, maybe we can win this game.”

With this crucial Game 3 victory, Rain or Shine has avoided falling into a dangerous 0-3 hole and has injected new life into the series. They will look to carry this momentum into Game 4, set for Wednesday, July 2, at the Mall of Asia Arena, as they aim to even the series against the Grand Slam-seeking TNT Tropang Giga.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.