Rondae Hollis-Jefferson came back strong as TNT cruised to an easy 142-87 victory over the luckless Macau for its third successive win in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Back in action for the first time in 10 months, the three-time Best Import showed how healthy he’s gone from an Achilles tear, posting 22 points albeit on 22 shots, six rebounds, five assists, and two steals without a single turnover.
‘RHJ’ was part of the five that broke the game wide open in the second canto, ultimately leading to the 55-point triumph which hiked their record to 7-4 to stay third behind NLEX (8-2) and San Miguel Beer (7-3) in Group A.
“Ever since naman, ang plan was to bring him in before the playoffs,” Coach Chot Reyes said. “We found an opportunity to ease him in slowly.”
Excited with the return of Hollis-Jefferson, six more players finished in double figures in the win, with Calvin Oftana finishing with 28 points.
Another comebacking key cog in Poy Erram delivered nicely with 15 points and eight rebounds to lead the bench. Jordan Heading and Henry Galinato supplied 11 points apiece, with Kim Aurin chipping in 10 markers.
Jio Jalalon, showing the same form he had a decade ago in college, notched a triple-double of 11 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists in 22 minutes.
