TNT seized the early lead in Group A after downing an ailing Meralco, 93-71, in the PBA Governors’ Cup, Thursday night at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson starred in the triumph with 25 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists as he led the reigning champions’ 31-point third-quarter outburst to break away toward their second win in as many outings.
The Tropang Giga did take advantage of the depleted Bolts losing star guard Chris Newsome with four minutes left in the said period due to an ankle sprain, which was actually the second time it happened in the game.
It didn’t help the Philippine Cup kings’ cause, too, that Allen Durham was far from his usual self and only mustered eight markers and 10 boards.
“We also caught a lucky break when Chris Newsome went out with an injury. We all know how important Chris is to that team,” said Coach Chot Reyes.
Rey Nambatac contributed solidly with 16 points and seven rebounds as he’s slowly finding his niche with the perennial contenders.
Poy Erram was solid as well with 15 points, six rebounds, and two blocks off the bench en route to earning Player of the Game honors.
Calvin Oftana finished with 14 points and five rebounds, while fellow forward Glenn Khobuntin chipped in 10 markers in the win.
TNT is scheduled to play Scotty Hopson and the 1-0 Converge next on August 27, Tuesday at 5 p.m. still at the Big Dome.
Chris Banchero, meanwhile, had 18 points to lead Meralco. Newsome left with 15 points as the two led their team’s early charge, which saw them head into the halftime break with a 41-39 lead before fizzling out in the third.
The Bolts, still without Allein Maliksi and Raymond Almazan, won’t play until August 28, Wednesday, where they will take on Terrafirma.
The Scores:
TNT 93 – Hollis-Jefferson 25, Nambatac 16, Erram 15, Oftana 14, Khobuntin 10, Castro 5, Aurin 4, Heruela 2, Payawal 2, Vosotros 0, Exciminiano 0.
Meralco 73 – Banchero 18, Newsome 15, Durham 8, Hodge 8, Quinto 6, Mendoza 5, Bates 4, Pasaol 3, Black 2, Rios 2, Cansino 2, Torres 0.
Quartercores: 21-23, 39-41, 70-57, 93-73
