TNT would be trying to build on its initial gains while Rain or Shine is expected to make the necessary adjustments Friday when they resume their PBA Philippine Cup semifinals matchup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Tropang 5G's 98-91 win in the best-of-seven duel's opener last Wednesday put the burden of coming up with a better gameplan on the Elasto Painters.
For sure, among the key aspects Rain or Shine would be focusing on are stifling TNT's Roger Pogoy-led offense and negating TNT's size advantage anchored on the latter's imposing frontliners led by Poy Erram, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, Calvin Oftana and Kelly Williams.
Pogoy scored 28 points in Game 1 with 13 of those coming in the decisive fourth period. With the veteran Gilas guard seemingly scoring at will, Rain or Shine's defense practically crumbled.
Helping that along were guards Jordan Heading and Simon Enciso, who combined for 23 points and five triples while taking turns putting order in TNT's offense.
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Another big difference was Rosser, Erram and Oftana pooling together 41 points and 30 rebounds in Game 1 while Williams did not score but hauled down nine caroms of his own as the Tropa emerged with a 59-44 dominance off the boards.
TNT coach Chot Reyes said it was by design. "One of our main discussions in practice was to make sure we keep them off the offensive glass and then when they started small, obviously we had the advantage in size," related Reyes.
"So that's what we talked about in the timeouts, in the huddles, that if they continue to play small then we have to make sure to dominate the boards," added Reyes.
"Ganoon lang naman iyung basketball, di ba? There's a give-and-take," Reyes also said. "You make your decisions. As coaches we take advantage of what the situation presents, when the situation presents itself."
With the rebounding disparity, TNT managed to put up a 15-8 advantage in second chance points, including 13-2 in the second half that helped turn the tide in the Tropa's favor.
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Not only that, Rain or Shine found it extremely hard to get any rhythm on its usual fast-paced game with its woes exacerbated by a dismal 35-of-86 field shooting, including 8-of-35 from beyond the arc.
Despite being put on their heels, the E-Painters are not down and should be able to equalize through more inside work by the likes of Keith Datu, Santi Santillan and Caelan Tiongson to draw the Tropa's defense and allow Adrian Nocum, Jhonard Clarito and Gian Mamuyac to do their thing.
