Hollis-Jefferson, Erram shine in endgame as gutsy TNT drags Ginebra to Game 7
MANILA, Philippines – For the first time in two years, the PBA throne will be disputed in a Game 7.
TNT forged a winner-take-all duel for the Commissioner’s Cup crown after escaping with a gripping 87-83 win over Barangay Ginebra on Wednesday, March 26, in front of a crowd of over 17,000 at the Araneta Coliseum.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson turned in 29 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals in an all-around effort that allowed the Tropang Giga to knot the best-of-seven series at 3-3 after they lost the last two games.
The last time the PBA staged a Game 7 with the championship on the line happened in the 2022-2023 Commissioner’s Cup, where the Gin Kings beat guest team Bay Area Dragons before a record crowd at the Philippine Arena.
Bouncing back from a pair of missed foul shots, Hollis-Jefferson sank two free throws with six seconds remaining for the final tally, keeping Ginebra at bay as Scottie Thompson missed the game-tying four-point shot.
Rey Nambatac also starred for TNT with 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals, while Poy Erram shone when it mattered most, pouring 10 of his 14 points in the fourth quarter.
Gaining notoriety in the finals for his antics, Erram let his game do the talking as he delivered clutch play one after the other, including the offensive rebound that led to Hollis-Jefferson’s marginal free throws.
Justin Brownlee paced the Gin Kings with 22 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks, although he committed a game-high 7 turnovers.
The Scores
TNT 87 – Hollis-Jefferson 29, Nambatac 23, Oftana 14, Erram 14, Khobuntin 4, Pogoy 3, Heruela 0, Aurin 0, Williams 0.
Barangay Ginebra 83 – Brownlee 22, Thompson 12, Abarrientos 12, J. Aguilar 11, Holt 11, Malonzo 6, Rosario 6, Ahanmisi 3.
Quarters: 22-22, 38-42, 63-62, 87-83.
– Rappler.com