TNT got it going in the third period and went on to claim a second straight win in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup on Thursday, Aug. 22.
What was expected to be a dogfight turned out to be a one-sided affair as TNT shut down Meralco, 93-73, in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup on Thursday, Aug. 22.
The Tropang Giga flipped the switch in the second half to take the 2-0 lead in Group A action.
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Already missing the services of Allein Maliksi and Raymond Almazan, the Bolts also lost Chris Newsome after apparently spraining his left ankle in an awkward landing with 4:00 minutes remaining.
Things went completely haywire for the Bolts from there.
TNT unleashed a 10-to-nothing rally for a 65-55 advantage almost a minute later before Rondae Hollis-Jefferson punctuated a dominant third period with a two-handed flush on the break, 70-57.
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Knowing no lead is safe against the recent Philippine Cup champion Meralco, the Tropang Giga was relentless against the helpless Bolts in the fourth period.
Calvin Oftana scored on a jumper on top of the key off the dribble to build a 17-point lead, 76-59, with still 7:50 to go.
Chris Banchero, who scored the historic first-ever four-pointer, scored from that range anew in retaliation before Jansen Rios made a tough bank shot to push the Bolts within 10, 67-77.
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But that was the closest Meralco could get as TNT regained steam and went on a furious 16-4 rally capped by Oftana’s fadeaway jumper to put the score beyond reach, 93-69, at the 1:15 mark.
“Chiefly, it was our defense, because we’re not shooting the ball particularly well. Rondae wasn’t hitting his shots. Our outside gunners were not really connecting. But we're keeping them (Bolts), were stopping them from scoring as well,” said TNT coach Chot Reyes.
“That was the key. Because of our stops, that gave us the opportunity to run out and score in transition.”
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Hollis-Jefferson was all over the court, turning in a near triple double performance of 27 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists. He also had three steals and three blocks.
Rey Nambatac added 16 points built on two three-pointers he spiked with seven rebounds, while JP Erram impressed with 15 points, six rebounds and two blocks.
With Newsome out, Banchero carried the bulk of the load with 18 points, four assists and three rebounds.
Newsome scored 15 before heading to the locker room to have his ankle treated while Allen Durham had a quiet offensive night with eight points that went with 10 rebounds and two assists.
The Scores:
TNT 93 – Hollis-Jefferson 25, Namabatac 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
Quarterscores: 21-23, 39-41, 70-57, 93-73