The Hollis-Jefferson brothers were just what the doctor ordered for TNT to secure its first win in the 2023-24 East Asia Super League season.
Spearheaded by the Hollis-Jeffersons, the Tropang Giga claimed an 80-69 victory over P.League+ champions Taipei Fubon Braves on Wednesday at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex in Laguna.
Rondae had a field day against the Braves, casually dropping 35 points on 11-of-24 shooting from the field with 11 rebounds, five assists, three steals, and three blocks.
Rahlir, who is four years the elder of Rondae, added 22 points, nine rebounds, four assists, four steals, and two blocks.
With the two leading the way, TNT finally picked up its first win in five games in the regional league for champions and staved off elimination.
It was an impressive win for the Tropang Giga, holding just a 60-58 lead late in the third quarter before they blew the Braves away.
Two free throws by Rondae coupled by back-to-back treys by Glenn Khobuntin and Calvin Oftana to start the final frame put the home team firmly in charge.
The lead went to as high as 14 points late in the contest.
Oftana added 15 points, nine rebounds, and two steals as they look forward to building a streak when the Tropang Giga host the Anyang JKJ Red Boosters on January 24 in Pasig.
Chris Johnson led the Braves with 19 points and 20 rebounds while Sedrick Barefield added 15 markers.
The Braves, who fell to 1-3 will head to Funabashi to face the Chiba Jets on December 27.
The Scores:
TNT 80 – Hollis-Jefferson Ro. 35, Hollis-Jefferson Ra. 22, Oftana 15, Khobuntin 6, Tolomia 2, Ganuelas-Rosser 0, Aurin 0, Heruela 0, Galinato 0, Ponferrada 0, Cruz 0.
Taipei Fubon 69 – Johnson 19, Barefield 15, Zaytsev 10, Chen 9, Chou 5, Hung 3, Smart 3, Guinchard 3, Jian 2, Wu 0, Tseng 0.
Quarterscores: 17-21, 48-42, 62-58, 80-69.
