TNT and Meralco now crowd the top spot with identical 4-1 records in the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup.
TNT got it going late before finally shooing away Terrafirma, 107-89, to pocket back-to-back wins in the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup on Thursday, Sept. 5.
The Tropang Giga thus joined Meralco atop Group A with their similar 4-1 win-loss count as they wrap up their first round of elims assignments.
The Dyip, however, remained winless in five outings.
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Terrafirma tried to check its skid, trimming a 69-83 deficit early in the fourth down to five, 80-85, on an 11-2 rally capped by import Antonio Hester's free throws midway through the frame.
But the Tropang Giga regained steam, beginning with Glenn Khobuntin's wide open three on top of key.
That shot instigated a telling 15-3 run that allowed TNT to breakaway, 100-83, with still 2:30 left to play.
Rondae Hollis Jefferson finished with 26 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists and two blocks for the Tropang Giga.
RR Pogoy and Poy Erram scored 14 each and combined for 10 boards, while Aurin came up with 13 points, three rebounds, an assist and a block.
“I think this ball game is a testament to the willpower of the players [amid] the number of the injuries we have,” said TNT coach Chot Reyes.
Hester atoned for a two-point outing in Terrafirma's previous game, putting in 23 points and 18 rebounds, while Christian Standhardinger also delivered a double-double of 18 points and 14 rebounds he spiked with four assists.
But their efforts were not enough to help the Dyip get over the hump.
Rookie Paolo Hernandez fired three triples on the way to 13 points for Terrafirma.
The Scores:
TNT 107 – Hollis-Jefferson 26, Pogoy 14, Erram 14, Aurin 13, Nambatac 10, Castro 10, Khobuntin 7, Exciminiano 7, Heruela 3, Payawal 3, Ebona 0, Vosotros 0.
TERRAFIRMA 89 – Hester 23, Standhardinger 18, Hernandez 13, Ferrer 13, Pringle 12, Hanapi 3, Cahilig 3, Sangalang 2, Ramos 2, Olivario 0, Grospe 0.
Quarterscores: 30-22, 55-49, 76-68, 107-89