MANILA, Philippines—Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao defended his reaction during a heated moment in Game 3 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals against TNT on Sunday at Araneta Coliseum.

Midway through the third quarter of the Elasto Painters’ 107-86 blowout win over the Tropang 5G, Guiao shouted profanities at TNT’s Glenn Khobuntin after a hard foul on Adrian Nocum.

READ: PBA semifinals: Rain or Shine avoids 0-3 hole, dominates TNT

While Nocum was airborne, Khobuntin went for the block but ended up pulling the Rain or Shine rookie down in a dangerous landing.

Guiao later clarified that his outburst stemmed from concern for Nocum, who fortunately shook off the fall.

WATCH: Coach Yeng Guiao is livid at Glenn Khobuntin after his hard foul on Gian Mamuyac.

Khobuntin was whistled for a flagrant foul penalty one but Guiao was also whistled for a tech after using profane language.

Rain or Shine still up, 74-50. | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/DrlBwYI3xZ

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“Those things happen but you really want to protect your players especially when you’re here,”  explained Guiao after their 107-86 win over TNT.

“It’s preservation of your personnel. I told them it’s big that they don’t have Rey (Nambatac), (Brian) Heruela and (Roger) Pogoy and with us, we don’t have Beau (Belga) and Felix (Lemetti) [due to injuries].”

Khobuntin was assessed a flagrant foul penalty one for the play, while Guiao was handed a technical foul for his profane response.

In the end, despite the physical affair, it was the Elasto Painters who barged into the semis’ win column after dropping the first two games.

“I felt there’s room for physical play but it’s really a possibility for injuries. If not, it’s a huge thing if we lose that player for one or two games,” Guiao added.

Rain or Shine gears up for more physical play in Game 4 this Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena as the Elasto Painters aim to tie the series at 2-2.