TNT advances to PBA finals, beats Rain or Shine 4-1 in semis

Caelan Tiongson helped Rain or Shine secure a 103-98 victory over TNT in Game 3 of the PBA Commissioner's Cup semifinals, but TNT won Games 4 and 5 to advance to the finals with a 4-1 series win.

Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao criticized the officiating after their loss in Game 4 on Wednesday, March 5 at the Araneta Coliseum; however, in Game 5, TNT's Rondae Hollis-Jefferson delivered an impressive performance with 42 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and three blocks.

Despite Deon Thompson's 34-point effort in Game 5, Rain or Shine could not prevent TNT from securing their place in the finals as they fell short of a comeback attempt despite leading by double digits in the third quarter.

Calvin Oftana had 12 points and 12 rebounds while Rey Nambatac also contributed significantly for TNT, who will face either Barangay Ginebra or NorthPort in the Finals after clinching their second straight championship series this season.