Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, TNT stave off furious Meralco comeback for 3rd straight win
MANILA, Philippines – Rondae Hollis-Jefferson saved the day for the TNT Tropang Giga as they avoided a massive collapse and escaped the Meralco Bolts with a 101-99 win in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the PhilSports Arena on Tuesday, January 7.
Hollis-Jefferson scored 6 of the Tropang Giga’s last 9 points, including the game-winning free throws with 10 seconds left, as the Bolts failed to respond in the final possession, falling short on their gutsy comeback from as many as 23 points down.
The TNT super import Hollis-Jefferson finished with an all-around game of 24 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks, while Calvin Oftana also supplied 24 markers as the Tropang Giga stretched their winning streak to three games for a 3-2 slate.
“First of all, we expected it. We had no illusions that it was going to be an easy game. Even when we were up by 20, we knew Meralco had the capability to come back,” said TNT head coach Chot Reyes of Meralco’s fightback.
“In the end, we were able to settle down and not panic even when they grabbed the lead. We just stayed within ourselves and in the end, the players made big plays,” he added.
Despite coming off a long break, TNT, which last played on December 19, showed no signs of rust as it quickly built a 44-21 lead over Meralco midway through the second quarter.
Still leading by 22 points early in the third frame, 66-44, the Tropang Giga saw their double-digit cushion chip away as the Bolts went on a furious 18-0 run to pull back within just 4 points at the 2:48 mark of the quarter, 62-66.
TNT managed to bring its lead back again to 13 points with 9:02 to play in the fourth, 85-72, before Meralco once again unleashed another huge rally, even stealing the lead from the Tropang Giga, 90-89, with 4:09 left.
After Hollis-Jefferson took over late, the Bolts still had an opportunity to win it all, but Cliff Hodge failed to connect on his potential game-winning trey with only 3 seconds left.
Despite going 8-of-24 from the field, import Akil Mitchell still topped Meralco’s scoring column with 24 points, to go with 18 rebounds and 7 assists.
Chris Newsome provided support with 19 points and 8 assists for the Bolts, who dropped to a 4-3 record.
The Scores
TNT 101 – Hollis-Jefferson 24, Oftana 24, Nambatac 15, Pogoy 12, Castro 7, Erram 6, Galinato 5, Aurin 5, Khobuntin 3, Razon 0, Varilla 0.
Meralco 99 – Mitchell 24, Newsome 19, Banchero 14, Quinto 12, Black 8, Hodge 6, Rios 5, Bates 4, Almazan 4, Cansino 3, Caram 0.
Quarters: 27-17, 52-35, 79-68, 101-99.
– Rappler.com