PBA: Playing TNT’s pace sends Rain or Shine to the brink of exit

Rain or Shine’s Gian Mamuyac during the PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals Game 4 against TNT Tropang Giga. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Rain or Shine mainstay Gian Mamuyac rued how the Elasto Painters let TNT impose its will in Game 4 of the PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals at Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.

Mamuyac said that playing at TNT’s pace didn’t favor them at all, as the Tropang Giga squeaked past the Elasto Painters, 81-79, and sent them to the brink of elimination.

“We played at their pace. We’re used to playing in high-scoring games and the last time we won, we scored over a hundred,” said Mamuyac.

READ: PBA: RHJ delivers, TNT nears Finals after escaping Rain or Shine

“In our three losses, we couldn’t reach a hundred and I think that’s a threat that we need to fix. We need to find ways to quicken the pace and use it to our advantage.”

In Rain or Shine caught their lone win of the best-of-seven series in Game 3, the Elasto Painters shot their way to a 110-109 win–the first time they managed to breach the 100-point marr.

In Game 1, Rain or Shine scored 81 before scoring 91 in the second match.

READ: PBA: Struggling Andrei Caracut rues Rain or Shine’s woes in semis

Mamuyac, who finished with six points, eight rebounds and four assists on Wednesday,  said the squad is still determined to fight despite starting at a 3-1 deficit in the best-of-seven series.

“We’re just trying to stay positive. We know that this is still a long one and we’ll take it one game and day at a time. We’re in survival mode. We’ll see how it goes,” Mamuyac.

Rain or Shine looks to stay alive on Friday when they take on TNT for Game 5 at Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.