Asistio catches fire as ROS blasts TNT to cut semis series deficit
At A Glance
- Anton Asistio waxed hot from deep as Rain or Shine clobbered a shorthanded TNT, 107-86, to finally get on the board in Game 3 of their best-of-seven semifinals affair in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, June 29.
Anton Asistio waxed hot from deep as Rain or Shine clobbered a shorthanded TNT, 107-86, to finally get on the board in Game 3 of their best-of-seven semifinals affair in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, June 29.
The Elasto Painters came out guns blazing and unloaded a 16-0 rally in the opening frame before Asistio shot the lights out from deep in the second half to finally pick up their first win in the series and cut the Tropang 5G lead, 2-1.
Rain or Shine established a big lead early behind the searing rally that turned a 10-14 deficit into a 10-30 advantage. TNT, despite missing the services of the high-scoring RR Pogoy, got its rhythm in the ensuing quarters only to be doused by the torrid shooting in the second half.
Asistio, who only had three points through the first two games of the series, exploded for 24 points, spiked by four triples and two fours, to go with his six assists.
Caelan Tiongson provided support with 16 points while Keith Datu stepped up with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Leonard Santillan supplied 12 points and eight rebounds while Adrian Nocum had 10 points and four steals.
Calvin Oftana tried to carry the fight for the Tropang 5G who aside from Pogoy, were already without Jayson Castro, Rey Nambatac and Brian Heruela while Jordan Heading was playing through a nagging back injury.
Oftana, after erupting for 39 points, only finished with 16 while Glenn Khobuntin and Simon Enciso added 12 apiece.