MANILA, Philippines–TNT drew first blood over Rain or Shine in their latest best-of-seven tussle after taking a 98-91 win in Game 1 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

RR Pogoy scored 28 points while five others were in double figures, even as the Tropang 5G’s defense prevented the Elasto Painters from having opportunities to produce an upset to take a headstart in the series.

READ: PBA: Kelly Williams repays Chot’s trust by keeping TNT alive

TNT’s Roger Pogoy and coach Chot Reyes after the win vs. Rain or Shine in Game 1 of the semis. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/Qt7NwWRZD5

— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) June 25, 2025

Poy Erram had 16 points and 10 rebounds, Simon Enciso scored majority of his 12 points in the first half while Jordan Heading bucked a nagging back problem to produce 11 points in 15 minutes.

Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser picked up where he left in TNT’s grueling quarterfinal triumph over Magnolia by tallying 13 points and 10 rebounds.

The Tropang 5G go for a 2-0 lead in Game 2 set Friday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Rain or Shine couldn’t sustain a five-point lead in the third and was forced to play catch-up in the fourth when TNT took command for good.

READ: PBA: Rain or Shine embraces challenge in latest TNT playoff duel

Andrei Caracut scored 16 while Jhonard Clarito had 14 points and seven rebounds for the Elasto Painters in the loss.

Rain or Shine’s closest was when it pulled within a point, 75-74, but Pogoy scored four while Erram had five, including a three that made it 86-76 for TNT with over three minutes left.

It didn’t help Rain or Shine’ cause that it was saddled with fouls during its comeback try, much to the frustration of coach Yeng Guiao, who was eventually tossed for two technicals.