Chot Reyes: RR Pogoy “very doubtful” for pivotal Game 4 as TNT battles Rain or Shine

The TNT Tropang Giga’s quest for a potential Grand Slam in the PBA Philippine Cup has hit another snag, as head coach Chot Reyes confirmed that star guard RR Pogoy remains “very doubtful” for Game 4 of their semifinals series against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. The crucial match is set for Wednesday, July 2, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Pogoy, who has been a consistent offensive force and defensive stopper for TNT, aggravated a left hamstring injury in the second quarter of Game 2. This forced him to sit out the remainder of that overtime thriller, which TNT still managed to win, and subsequently miss Game 3 on Sunday, June 29. 

His absence was sorely felt in Game 3, as Rain or Shine capitalized to blow out TNT, 107-86, cutting the Tropang Giga’s series lead to 2-1.

“Hopefully, (Pogoy can get to play). But malabo pa rin ‘yon. It’s very doubtful,” Reyes stated after Game 3, acknowledging the significant impact of Pogoy’s absence but refusing to use it as an excuse for their lopsided loss. “It’s a big factor but not an excuse. 

Rain or Shine came out and wanted the game so much more. They were a lot more aggressive. We’re not able to match it.”

#WATCH: Chot Reyes owns up to TNT’s Game 3 loss, saying there are no excuses despite their manpower woes

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— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) June 29, 2025

The injury is a lingering issue for Pogoy, who reportedly has been playing through discomfort since the quarterfinals, before it fully flared up in Game 2 against Rain or Shine. He had been a key contributor throughout TNT’s undefeated run in the playoffs prior to his injury, averaging 21.8 points in four playoff games.

Pogoy’s potential absence for Game 4 compounds TNT’s existing injury woes. The Tropang Giga are already without guards Rey Nambatac (groin and hip issues) and Brian Heruela (left ankle injury), further depleting their backcourt rotation.

In Pogoy’s absence in Game 3, Calvin Oftana, who exploded for 39 points in Game 2, was limited to just 16 markers. While other players like Glenn Khobuntin and Simon Enciso stepped up their scoring, the team clearly missed Pogoy’s all-around impact and leadership on both ends of the floor.

As TNT aims to regain control of the series and push closer to a Finals berth, they will need a collective effort to overcome the challenges posed by Rain or Shine and the ongoing injury to one of their most vital players. The Elasto Painters, on the other hand, will look to build on their Game 3 momentum and even the series at 2-2.

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